Weather and Hazardous Conditions Flashcards

What causes hydroplaning at higher speeds on wet roads?

Answer: A layer of water builds between the tires and the road surface

Hydroplaning happens when tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the pavement.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, what should you do first?

Answer: Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard

Easing off the gas lets the tires slow gradually and regain contact with the road without a skid.

When is a paved road usually most slippery during rain?

Answer: During the first 10 to 15 minutes of rainfall

Early rain mixes with oil and dust on the pavement, creating an especially slick film before it washes away.

In heavy fog, which lights should you use while driving?

Answer: Low-beam headlights

Low beams aim at the road, while high beams reflect off fog droplets and reduce your visibility.

If fog becomes so thick you can barely see, what is the safest action?

Answer: Pull completely off the road, stop, and turn on hazard lights

Pulling fully off the roadway and using hazard lights removes you from traffic when visibility is too poor to drive.

How much should you increase your following distance when driving on packed snow?

Answer: Roughly double or more compared to dry pavement

Stopping distances on packed snow are far longer, so you need at least twice the normal following distance.

Which road surface condition is often called 'black ice'?

Answer: A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that makes the road look wet

Black ice is a thin transparent ice layer that appears as wet pavement, making it very hard to detect.