North Carolina Driver Education Resource Guide
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
DRIVING IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS
Unit 14
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
�Adverse conditions usually refer to traction or visibility. ��Adverse conditions should include anything that makes the driving task more difficult. �
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
Adverse conditions
The goal, when driving in adverse conditions, is to recognize and understand their limitations while driving accordingly. �Adverse conditions include: �A. Rain �B. Snow �C. Fog and darkness �D. Sunglare �E. Other vehicles blocking vision �
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
Driving in adverse conditions�
�When dealing with reduced visibility, you can:� �A. Slowdown �B. Increase following distance �C. Have clean windshield, headlights, etc. �D. Use driving aids, reflectors, painted lines, other headlights and streetlights �E. Turn down panel lights, no interior lights �F. Replace wiper blades and have washer fluid �G. ALWAYS turn on your lights in reduced visibility. Make sure others see you! �
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
Ways to deal with reduced visibility
Sixty percent of fatal accidents occur at night. �
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
There are many ways to deal with reduced traction. ��Slow down �Increase following distance �Drive in another driver's tire track Make sure of your tire pressure �Make no sudden movements, braking, turning or accelerating �Keep moving in snow or ice �If conditions warrant, stay off the roads �
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
Ways to deal with reduced traction�
If you are dealing with deep water you should do the following: ��A. Check the depth of water using other vehicles or landmarks. �B. Never enter deep water that is moving. It can float your vehicle off the road with disastrous results. �C. Always wait for other vehicles to clear the area. This allows you to drive in the middle of the road surface where the water is the shallowest. It will also avoid!" splashing water into your engine compartment. �D. Always go slow to avoid water splashing into your engine. �E. Never take chances with deep water. Find another route. �
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
How to deal with deep water on the road�
The advent of antilock brakes has created some unforeseen problems. �Unlike standard brakes, you just push them down and hope. �If the driver "pumps" them, they will not stop the vehicle. �
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
Standard brakes and anti-lock brakes
The three parts of total stopping distance are: ��A. Perception time/distance �B. Reaction time/distance �C. Braking distance
North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
Unit 14-Driving in Adverse Conditions
Parts of total stopping distance�