Driver's Ed Chapter 12 Reduce visibility, traction and other adverse weather conditions (Special Skills)

4 second stopping distance rule

*pick a fixed checkpoint *count off 4 seconds (one-thousand one, one thousand two, etc) *check vehicle's position, after you have reached your fixed checkpoint

ABS

Antilock Braking System

Freezing temperatures

Below 32 degrees fahrenheit

The sun can create

Binding glare

Must also be careful in cold weather and garages about

CARBON Monoxide--For example if you are stuck in the snow, make sure your source of fresh air in your vehicle by OPENING up the window, make sure the EXHAUST Pipe is not blocked because it could send carbon monoxide back into the passenger compartment.

The brightest days create the_______________shadows.

Darkest

The rear of a vehicle swerving back and forth

Fishtailing

Traction is cut in

Half, during freezing temperatures, so squeeze brakes lightly in LOW TRAFFIC and speeds to test traction.

Whenever visibility is reduced drivers need more time to use

IPDE process and to apply Zone Control driving techniques

Hydroplaning

Occurs when tires lose contact with the road. Can be caused by standing water as little as 1/12 inch., poor tire tread and speeds as little as 35 MPH, and even slushy snow.

when the rear end of the vehicle slips out

Oversteer Situation Skid

if stuck in Snow try

ROCKING the vehicle, this is when you (drive forward a little, back a little and then repeat this same sequence) DO NOT SPIN your WHEELS while doing this.

things that can reduce traction

Rain, Snow, Ice and Sand

Cars are designed to handle wide ranges of temperatures

Systems to keep vehicles warm in the winter and cool in the summer

Tips for Rain

Use windshield wipers and defroster and Low beam lights

Gravel roads, Wet Leaves and Construction areas

also have decreased traction

Estimate water depth by looking

at parked cars, fire hydrants, and fence posts

Do not RACE a cold engine

because it increases wear.

Do not set the parking brake in the winter

because this brake could freeze

in deep water you should estimate the depth

by watching other vehicles, if there is a slight chance of water reaching the bottom of the vehicle DO NOT ENTER it.

Fresh snow at LOW temperature

can provide GOOD traction until traffic PACKS the snow down.

Strong winds or a passing TRUCK

can reduce vehicle control and push lightweight vehicles out of the lane or off the road YOU MUST keep A balanced GRIP on the steering wheel and be ready to make steering corrrections for crosswinds

Use low beam headlights

day and night when it snows

FOG

decreases your ability to see, Reduces your ability to judge distances. You should slow down and increase space cushions. Not driving is the best approach. However if you pull odd the road use your HAZARD lights

in water it is best to

drive in the high center of the road and dry your brakes by applying LIGHT PRESSURE with your LEFT FOOT.

Apply light pressure to help

dry wet brakes

Bridges

freeze before other roadway surfaces, because cold air circulates above and below the roadway on bridges and overpasses

Remember a locked or spinning tire

has NO traction or Steering Control

Four second distance stopping rule

helps to ensure that there is enough distance to stop on icy pavement

Tornado

if caught in one, you should get out of the vehicle and lay down in a ditch or under a bridge.

Never use CRUISE CONTROL

in bad weather

you should also use low beam lights

in bad weather, such as SNOW, Rain or FOG

Black Ice

is ice thin forms in thin sheets and is difficult to SEE. Ice can also form in tire tracks at intersections

Skidding

is when tires lose their grip on the road

ABS/Antilock Braking System

it is a computer in the car that prevents the wheels from LOCKING In emergencies, you can press the brake pedal HARD as you can and don't let UP. You will feel PULSES under your foot on the brake pedal, but maintain firm pressure until you stop. ABS allows you to STEER and brake at the same time.

to avoid getting stuck in snow, try to

keep moving, the energy of MOTION can help you through snow

When headlight shine into fog

light is EFLECTED back making it harder to see

Temperature gauges

light up when an engine is HOT, when this happens turn off the air conditioner and turn on the HEATER. If the light stays on , stop and park in a safe place and let the engine cool

Lower gear can help

maintain control

Snow and ice

may build up on your rear window, headlights and windshield wipers. Be prepared to pull off and clean them off. Remember to reduce SPEED and increase following distance between vehicles.

overdriving headlights

means that you are driving at a speed that makes your stopping distance LONGER than your ability to see or your headlights

Dirty windows

reduce visibility

Once an engine is cool, check the coolant level, but never EVER EVER EVER REMOVE/check

the RADIATOR CAP when an engine is hot. PRESSURIZED hot liquid can shoot out and SCALD you.

Dusk and Dawn driving can be dangerous. Use your Headlights so other drivers can see you. you must switch from high beams to low beams

the instant you see the headlights of an oncoming car.

Oversteer skids can be managed by

the release oof the accelerator or brake and then steer in the direction you need to GO (target area)

A sign that brakes are wet is when

they start pulling to one side

Moisture on the inside of your windshield reduces visibility, when this happens you should

turn on your front window defroster, the rear defrogger, use the air conditioner or heater. OPENING your windows may help too.

Understeer Situation Skid

vehicle continues straight ahead in a turn--

Skidding can happen

when you are braking, accelerating or steering

Rain mixes

with dust and oil and makes the road more slippery

If the rear of a vehicle continues to FISHTAIL

you need to continue to countersteer until the slowing speed allows your vehicle to regain traction.

if you push the accelerator and the tires spin

you should Release the gas pedal to Regain traction

in an understeer skid

you should ease off the accerlerator or the brake to regain traction

if an oncoming car has high beam lights on

you should flick your lights, slow down and or move to lane position 3.

To maintain steering control while slowing

you should use CONTROLLED BRAKING *Known as the Squeeze-Relax technique until the vehicle comes to a stop