Chapter 12

1. Chapter 12 Driving in Adverse Conditions Driving in Adverse Conditions

2. Driving Videos of Adverse Weather Conditions • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeYKiHIb-Is • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1821CZlK-fQ Driving in Adverse Conditions

3. Chapter 12 • EQ: What are some techniques that you can use for night driving? • Overdriving Headlights – driving at a speed that makes stopping distance longer than the distance lighted by your headlights. Driving in Adverse Conditions

4. Reduced Visibility • When visibility is reduced, more time is needed to use the IPDE Process. • In this chapter we will be discussing some techniques you can use when driving in a variety of adverse conditions. Driving in Adverse Conditions

5. Your Vehicle Windows • KEEP IT CLEAN! • Use your wiper fluid • Front and rear defrosters • Clean windows and lights before going out into adverse weather Driving in Adverse Conditions

6. Sun Glare • Sunglasses • Use your visor • Try to avoid looking directly at the Sun • Use your low beams so other drivers can see you Driving in Adverse Conditions

7. At Dusk and Dawn • Low visual contrast between moving vehicles and the driving scene can be deceiving. • Again, by driving with your low beam you can make yourself more visible to other drivers. Driving in Adverse Conditions

8. Driving at Night • Low levels of light at night severely limit the use of the IPDE Process. What are some things you would see during the day that you might not see at night? Driving in Adverse Conditions

9. Using Your Headlights High-beam headlights are used to see things further down the road. Driving in Adverse Conditions

10. Using Your Headlights cont. Switch to low-beams….. -when following other cars.(1/2 mile) -the instant you see the lights of an oncoming vehicle. -if another vehicle passes you. This will help prevent you from blinding other drivers with your headlights.

11. Using Your Headlights cont. • Use your low-beams in weather like snow, heavy rain, or fog Reason: Your high-beams will reflect more light back into your eyes in these weather conditions. Driving in Adverse Conditions

12. Using Your Headlights cont. When meeting other drivers who fail to switch to their low-beams... 1.Briefly flick high-beams 2. Slow down and glance to the right if driver doesn’t respond 3. Don’t stare directly into oncoming High-beams Driving in Adverse Conditions

13. FOG RAIN SNOW • Use low-beams and wipers • Slow down • Increase your space cushion • Keep your windows clean and clear (washer fluid, defroster, ice scraper) If driving conditions are too dangerous, delay your trip or find a safe place to “wait it out”. Driving in Adverse Conditions

14. Assignment: Pg. 233 (1-3) • What actions should you take when using the IPDE process in limited-visibility situations? • What steps can you take to help others see you at dawn and dusk? • When should you use low beam headlights at night? Driving in Adverse Conditions

15. Chapter 12.2 • EQ: How do you avoid hydroplaning? • Hydroplaning – when a tire loses road contact by rising up on top of the water and no longer has contact with the road. Driving in Adverse Conditions

16. Reduced Traction Four common conditions that can limit your traction: RAIN SNOW ICE SAND, GRAVEL, MUD and other debris Driving in Adverse Conditions

17. RAIN • Reduce speed to compensate for loss of traction. • When rain first starts roadway can be very slick. SLOW DOWN AND LIGHTLY TEST YOUR BRAKES! Driving in Adverse Conditions

18. RAIN Cont. Hydroplaning When a tire loses contact by rising up on top of water and no longer has contact with the road, hydroplaning occurs. Driving in Adverse Conditions

19. RAIN cont. Causes of hydroplaning: Water Speed Tire Condition Prevention: Reduce your speed Have properly inflated tires with good tread

20. RAIN Cont. Driving through deep water When in doubt don’t! 1. Estimate depth w/ cars or other objects 2. Drive slow in low gear 3. Apply light brake pressure with left foot while driving to insure brake is functional (after) Driving in Adverse Conditions

21. SNOW Driving in Snow Gentleacceleration, steering and braking are the keys to controlling your vehicle in snow. Driving in Adverse Conditions

22. SNOW cont. Tips for driving in snow: • If at all possible don’t drive in snow! • Use all-season tires • Use Rocking technique if stuck in snow 1.Straighten wheels 2.Gently accelerate forward and backwards 3.Continue until tracks are made long enough to drive out.

23. ICE • Predict the worst when ice begins to form • Check for traction • Slow gradually if car begins to slide • If you don’t have to drive don’t Driving in Adverse Conditions

24. ICE cont. Ice on bridges Black Ice Ice on tire tracks Driving in Adverse Conditions

25. SKIDDING When your tire loses all or part of it’s traction on the road. • Can happen on any surface during: Braking Accelerating or Steering Driving in Adverse Conditions

26. SKIDDING cont. Ways to prevent skidding: • Slow ahead of time • Early detection • Aim High in Steering! Driving in Adverse Conditions

27. SKIDDING cont. How to correct skidding situations • Never lock your brakes • Let off accelerator • Steer in direction you want to go • Pump brakes if you don’t have ABS • Slow down! • If you have ABS apply brakes firmly

28. Tips For Winter Driving • Listen for traffic reports • Keep windows clean • Lower your speed • Keep a safe following distance • Keep moving in snow • Use lower gears on slippery roads • Avoid cruise control

29. Assignment: pg. 241 (1-4) • How do rain and snow affect a vehicle’s traction? • How does hydroplaning affect vehicle control? • How do you know if you are experiencing an understeer situation? • How can a driver attain maximum controlled braking in a vehicle that is not equipped with ABS? Driving in Adverse Conditions