WA DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is hydroplaning and how do you recover from it?
- Tires losing contact with the road due to water; ease off the gas and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Tires overheating on dry pavement; apply the brakes firmly
- Driving too fast in snow; turn the wheel sharply
- An engine failure caused by water in the fuel; restart the engine
Correct answer: Tires losing contact with the road due to water; ease off the gas and steer straight
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water prevents tire contact with the road. To recover, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking, and steer straight until traction returns.
Question 2: What should you do when driving in heavy fog?
- Use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance (Correct answer)
- Use high-beam headlights for maximum visibility
- Maintain normal speed to clear the fog area quickly
- Pull over and turn off all lights
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance
In fog, use low beams (high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility), slow down, and increase your following distance to allow more reaction time.
Question 3: When are roads most slippery during rain?
- During the first few minutes of rainfall when oil and water mix on the surface (Correct answer)
- After several hours of continuous rain
- Only during freezing rain
- Roads become less slippery as rain continues
Correct answer: During the first few minutes of rainfall when oil and water mix on the surface
Roads are most slippery during the first few minutes of rain when water mixes with accumulated oil and grease on the surface before being washed away.
Question 4: What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice?
- Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming the brakes (Correct answer)
- Turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the skid
- Accelerate to regain traction
- Apply the parking brake immediately
Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming the brakes
When skidding on ice, steer gently in the direction you want to travel, ease off the gas, and avoid sudden braking which can worsen the skid.
Question 5: What is the correct procedure for driving through standing water?
- Slow down, drive through steadily, and test brakes afterward (Correct answer)
- Speed through to prevent water from entering the engine
- Stop and wait for the water to recede
- Turn off your engine and coast through
Correct answer: Slow down, drive through steadily, and test brakes afterward
Drive slowly and steadily through standing water to avoid splashing and loss of control. After passing through, lightly tap your brakes to dry them.
Question 6: During a dust storm or whiteout conditions, what should you do?
- Pull completely off the road, stop, turn off lights, and wait (Correct answer)
- Continue driving slowly with hazard lights on
- Increase speed to exit the storm area
- Follow the vehicle ahead closely for guidance
Correct answer: Pull completely off the road, stop, turn off lights, and wait
In zero-visibility conditions, pull completely off the road and stop. Turn off your lights so other drivers do not mistake them for lane markers and follow you off the road.
WA DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 1
What is hydroplaning and how do you recover from it?