Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions

Railroad Crossing Warning Sign

(Yellow w/ black letters "RR" and "X" symbol) There is a railroad crossing ahead. Use caution, and be prepared to stop.

What should you check for when you leave an expressway?

After you leave an expressway, look for speed limit signs and check your speedometer to be sure you are driving within the posted limit.

How should you use your brake pedal on a slippery road?

Brake early, carefully and gently.

What is the most important rule to remember in any emergency?

Do not panic.

What should you do if your wheels move off the pavement?

Ease your foot off the gas pedal and brake gently. When your vehicle has decreased speed, check for traffic behind you, then turn carefully back onto the pavement.

Why is expressway driving different from normal driving?

Expressway driving normally combines higher speeds with heavy traffic. The higher speed and amount of traffic require you to think faster and handle your vehicle in a more efficient manner than in most other conditions.

Railroad Crossing Signals

Flashing red lights, lowered crossing gates and/or a bell at a railroad crossing indicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks.

What should you do if one of your tires blows out?

If a tire blows out, hold the steering wheel tight and slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. If your vehicle skids, handle it as you would on ice or snow.

What is the first thing you should do if your brakes fail?

If your brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor, try pumping it to increase pressure. If that does not help, use your emergency or parking brake - but use it gently.

Is it best to keep your headlights on high beam or low beam when there is fog, rain or falling snow?

Low beam. Headlights on high beams reflect rain, fog and snow as it falls. This makes it even harder for you to see.

When should you signal that you are exiting an expressway?

Make sure to signal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before you reach the exit ramp.

What should you do if you are blinded by headlights on an approaching vehicle?

Move your eyes to the right. Use the road edge as a guide until the approaching vehicle passes by

What is the main reason night driving is more difficult than daytime driving?

Night driving is more dangerous because the distance you can see ahead or to the side is reduced.

What is the appropriate action to take when approaching a railroad crossing that does not have signals (such as lights or crossing gates)?

Slow down and be prepared to stop

What should you do if you miss an expressway exit?

Stay on the expressway until the next exit.

What should you do if an entrance ramp is short?

Stop and wait for a large space in traffic. Then enter the expressway and accelerate quickly.

If traffic prevents you from crossing all the way across a set of railroad tracks, you may proceed only when

There is room for your vehicle on the other side.

Which direction should you turn your steering wheel to get out of a skid?

Turn the steering wheel in the direction the vehicle is trying to go. If your rear wheels slide left, steer left. If they slide right, steer right.

What are expressway entrance ramps used for?

Use the ramp to accelerate to expressway speed and blend with traffic.

Driving within the range of your headlights indicates you can stop your vehicle within about how many feet?

Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within that distance.