1. Adverse Driving Conditions and Emergencies

2. Driving under conditions of limited visibility
Driving in drifting fog:
Reduce speed
Make sure headlights are on low beam
Turn on windshield wipers
Turn on defroster or air conditioner

3. Driving under conditions of limited visibility
Driving in heavy fog, smoke, rain or snow:
Reduce speed to limits of visibility
Do not stop in roadway
Be alert for other vehicles stopped in roadway
Turn on emergency flashers
Turn on windshield wipers
Look for rest area or exit highway if possible

4. Driving under conditions of limited visibility
Driving in heavy fog, smoke, rain or snow:
If impossible to leave highway:
Stop beyond end of guardrail
Back up outboard of guardrail
Turn off all lights
Wait for fog/snow/heavy rain to ease up

5. Factors Affecting Visibility & Risk When Driving at Night
Driver’s vision limited:
Distance driver can see ahead reduced
Headlights provide little illumination of off-road areas
Loss of color contrast
Impaired distance judgment
Glare from oncoming/following vehicles
Glare recovery time (7 sec)

6. Factors Affecting Visibility & Risk When Driving at Night
Effects of headlight alignment
Low beams
Illuminate roadway 100 to 150 feet
Illuminate area above roadway 300 to 500 feet
Maximum safe speed 40 to 45 MPH
High beams
Illuminate roadway 300 to 500 feet
Light area above road 500 to 1800 feet
Maximum safe speed 55 to 60 MPH
Vehicle load and affects light beam distance

7. Driving at Night

8. Sources of Glare Vehicle headlights/oncoming or following
Dirty and/or pitted windshield
Light colored paper on dash
Snow or ice on ground
Driving into the sun/morning or evening
Flood lights
Misaligned head lights
Failure to dim lights in fog, rain or snow
Flashing lights

9. Controlling Glare Keep all windows and lights clean
Keep all objects of reflective nature off the dash
Adjust sun visors
Adjust mirrors: inside mirror to night driving setting or simply change angle slightly
Wear sunglasses on sunny days
Adjust speed to accommodate reduced visibility conditions
Adjust seat to a higher position

10. Reduced Visibility
Reduced visibility from any source requires a reduction in speed
The Kentucky’s basic speed law requires you to operate at a speed reasonable and prudent for conditions
Operating at a speed at which you are unable to stop within the range of your visibility is illegal - and stupid!

11. Driving when Traction is Poor
The three factors leading to loss of vehicle directional control (skidding
Condition of the Roadway
Condition of the Vehicle
Action of the Driver
Don't Be Caught Unaware!

12. Dealing with Poor Traction
Drivers need steady pulling, and moderate power when traction is poor.
When wheels are stuck in mud, deep snow, or sand, power should be applied slowly.
Keep the front wheels pointed straight ahead so the vehicle can move in a straight line. Try using a lower gear.
If the vehicle is stuck, try to rock it out.
If the vehicle wheels spin, stop rocking, and find a way to create traction under the drive wheels.

13. Reduced Traction
Reduced traction from any source requires a reduction in speed
The Kentucky’s basic speed law requires you to operate at a speed reasonable and prudent for conditions
Operating at a speed at which you are unable to adequately maneuver within existing conditions is illegal - and stupid!

14. Skid Control Look and Steer Where You Want to Go
On Ice, shift to Neutral
Threshold Brake (w/o ABS)

15. Skid Control

16. Off Road Recovery Ease off accelerator and Stay Off the Brake
Why ease off accelerator?
Is it OK to brake if vehicle has ABS on all four wheels?
Hold steering wheel firmly
Gently turn steering wheel 1/4 turn toward road
When front tire gets on pavement gently steer back 1/4 turn

17. Blowout
Hold steering wheel firmly and steer to keep car going straight
Take foot off gas pedal
Signal and let the car slow without braking
Steer gradually to shoulder
Brake gently to a stop off the road

18. Reducing Consequences of a Collision
Be Prepared
Seat belts and airbags
Head restraints
Locked doors
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Locate and secure loose articles

19. Reducing Consequences of a Collision
When a collision is inevitable and you have a choice, select an impact with the least consequences.

20. Reducing Consequences of a Collision
Choose off road path
Swerve right instead of left
Hit something that gives - not solid
Sideswipe rather than head-on
Adjust speed/steer to take hit behind rear wheels

21. Steering Techniques Use 9 & 3 grip
Remember even a small steering input uses more time and increases the distance traveled - thereby reducing available energy
Steering with ABS

22. DRIVING IN HIGH WINDS
1.  Keep both hands on the wheel and be prepared to make steering corrections when you go from a protected area to an open area.
2.  Expect to find debris in the roadway.
3.  Stay away from high profile vehicles.
4.  Turn on your lights for greater visibility.
5.  Drive at a SLOW speed.  SPEED increases the risk of being blown off course.
6.  Keep a safe distance from car in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.