10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions1

Reduced Visibility When visibility is reduced, more time is needed to use the IPDE Process. In this chapter we will be discussing some techniques you can use when driving in a variety of adverse conditions. 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions2

Your Vehicle Windows KEEP IT CLEAN! Use your wiper fluid Front and rear defrosters Clean windows and lights before going out into adverse weather 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions3

Sun Glare Sunglasses Use your visor Try to avoid looking directly at the Sun Use your low beams so other drivers can see you 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions4

At Dusk and Dawn Low visual contrast between moving vehicles and the driving scene can be deceiving. Again, by driving with your low beam you can make yourself more visible to other drivers. 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions5

Driving at Night Low levels of light at night severely limit the use of the IPDE Process. What are some things you would see during the day that you might not see at night? 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions6

Using Your Headlights High-beam headlights are used to see things further down the road. 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions7

Using Your Headlights cont. Switch to low-beams….. -when following other cars. (1/2 mile) -the instant you see the lights of an oncoming vehicle. -if another vehicle passes you. This will help prevent you from blinding other drivers with your headlights. 8

Using Your Headlights cont. Use your low-beams in weather like snow, heavy rain, or fog Reason: Your high-beams will reflect more light back into your eyes in these weather conditions. 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions9

Using Your Headlights cont. When meeting other drivers who fail to switch to their low-beams... 1.Briefly flick high-beams 2. Slow down and glance to the right if driver doesn’t respond 3. Don’t stare directly into oncoming High-beams 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions10

FOG RAIN SNOW Use low-beams and wipers Slow down Increase your space cushion Keep your windows clean and clear (washer fluid, defroster, ice scraper) If driving conditions are too dangerous, delay your trip or find a safe place to “wait it out”. 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions11

Four common conditions that can limit your traction: RAIN SNOW ICE SAND, GRAVEL, MUD and other debris 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions12

Reduce speed to compensate for loss of traction. When rain first starts roadway can be very slick. SLOW DOWN AND LIGHTLY TEST YOUR BRAKES! 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions13

Hydroplaning When a tire loses contact by rising up on top of water and no longer has contact with the road, hydroplaning occurs. 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions14

Causes of hydroplaning: Water Speed Tire ConditionPrevention: Reduce your speed Have properly inflated tires with good tread

Driving through deep water When in doubt don’t! 1. Estimate depth w/ cars or other objects 2. Drive slow in low gear 3. Apply light brake pressure with left foot while driving to insure brake is functional (after) 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions16

Driving in Snow Gentle acceleration, steering and braking are the keys to controlling your vehicle in snow. 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions17

Tips for driving in snow: If at all possible don’t drive in snow! Use all-season tires Use Rocking technique if stuck in snow 1.Straighten wheels 2.Gently accelerate forward and backwards 3.Continue until tracks are made long enough to drive out.

Predict the worst when ice begins to form Check for traction Slow gradually if car begins to slide If you don’t have to drive don’t 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions19

10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions20

When your tire loses all or part of it’s traction on the road. Can happen on any surface during: Braking Accelerating or Steering 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions21

Ways to prevent skidding: Slow ahead of time Early detection Aim High in Steering! 10/15/2015Driving in Adverse Conditions22

How to correct skidding situations Never lock your brakes Let off accelerator Steer in direction you want to go Pump brakes if you don’t have ABS Slow down! If you have ABS apply brakes firmly

Listen for traffic reports Keep windows clean Lower your speed Keep a safe following distance Keep moving in snow Use lower gears on slippery roads Avoid cruise control