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Driving in Adverse Conditions
- 1/20The primary reason you should reduce your speed when driving at night
Reducing your speed at night or during poor weather helps ensure you can stop safely within the distance your headlights illuminate. It allows more time to detect and respond to unexpected hazards that may appear with limited visibility.
To handle glare from oncoming vehicles at night, you should
Looking slightly up and to the right of oncoming headlights helps reduce the blinding effect of glare. This keeps your eyes focused on the road edge, improving visibility and maintaining safe control of your vehicle.
If you are driving in fog and visibility is rapidly decreasing
When fog severely reduces visibility, it is safest to pull off the road into a secure location and wait for conditions to improve. Continuing to drive can be extremely dangerous if you cannot see vehicles, people, or obstacles ahead.
When you drive in rain, a common risk associated with wet roads is
Hydroplaning happens when water builds up between your tires and the road, causing your vehicle to lose contact with the surface. This significantly reduces your control and increases the risk of skidding or accidents.
If you encounter a flooded road while driving
Testing your brakes after driving through water ensures they are working properly. Wet brakes may not function effectively, so a light brake application confirms they are responsive before you resume normal driving.
If your vehicle starts to skid while driving
If your vehicle begins to skid, easing off the accelerator and steering gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go helps you regain control without worsening the skid.
When driving on snow-covered roads, the best practice is to
On snow-covered roads, smooth steering and gradual acceleration help maintain traction. Sudden movements can cause the vehicle to slide or spin out due to reduced grip on the icy surface.
If visibility is near zero during a whiteout
In whiteout conditions with near-zero visibility, the safest action is to stop and wait in a safe area. Driving blindly increases the risk of collisions and getting lost or stranded.
When driving in poor weather conditions
In poor weather, you should allow more time for your trip and increase your following distance. This provides more reaction time.
The visibility threshold at which you must turn your headlights on, regardless of the time of day
Your headlights must be on anytime you cannot clearly see 150 meters (500 feet) in front of you. This includes at night.
You should use low-beam headlights at night, even on a divided highway, if
To prevent blinding other drivers, you must use your low-beam headlights when there is oncoming traffic. This applies even on divided highways.
To avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights at night
To minimize the blinding effect of oncoming headlights, you should shift your gaze slightly down and to the right edge of your driving lane. Do this until the vehicle has passed.
If glare makes it difficult for you to see the road
When glare impairs your vision of the road, the safest action is to reduce your speed. This allows you more time to react.
In smoke and fog, the type of headlights you should use are
In smoke and fog, use low beam headlights because high beams reflect light back. This creates more glare and reduces visibility.
If visibility becomes so poor due to smoke or fog that it is unsafe for you to continue driving
When visibility is extremely poor, you should slow down and safely pull your vehicle off the road. Turn on your hazard warning lights in such situations.
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, what you should not do
If your vehicle hydroplanes and loses contact with the road, it is crucial not to brake. Instead, release the accelerator and steer in the desired direction.
When driving on ice and snow, the most important thing to do is to
When driving in icy and snowy conditions, the most critical safety measure is to reduce your speed.
If you are stranded off the highway in a safe place during winter, the safest course of action generally is to
If your vehicle is in a safe location off the highway and you are stranded, it is typically safer to remain with your vehicle.
A recommended winter emergency supply for you to carry in your vehicle is
Sand or road salt are specifically recommended as winter emergency supplies for your vehicle. They are useful for improving traction.
If an animal suddenly appears in front of your vehicle,
When an animal suddenly appears, brake firmly and be ready to take evasive action. Always steer away from oncoming traffic.