Adverse Conditions

1. Adverse Conditions • Adverse conditions usually refer to traction or visibility. Adverse conditions should include anything that makes the driving task more difficult.

2. What? • When driving in adverse conditions, the goal is to recognize and understand the limitations while driving accordingly.

3. Weather • Adverse conditions can include:a. rainb. snowc. fog & darknessd. sun glaree. other vehicles blocking vision

4. The Driver • Adverse conditions may include the driver’s impairment from: • Alcohol or other drugs; • Drowsy driving. A MAJOR cause of vehicle accidents. (more than most think); • Distractions from anything that takes the driver’s mind of the task at hand. (as we discussed earlier, food is #1 here).

5. Dealing with Visibility • a. Slow down (not 10 mph on the freeway!) b. Increase following distancec. Have clean windshield, headlights etc.d. Use driving aids, reflectors, painted lines, other headlights, taillights and/or street lights.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!

6. Driving at Night • Sixty percent of fatal accidents occur at night. • There are many reasons here, but reduced visibility is among them.

7. Reduced Traction • a. Slow down.b. Increase following distance.c. Drive in another driver's tire track.d. Make sure of your tire pressure.e. Make no sudden movements. Braking, turning, or accelerating.f. Keep moving in snow or ice.g. If conditions warrant, stay off the roads.

8. Dealing with Deep Water on the Highway • a. Check the depth of water on the road surface. Use other vehicles or landmarks. • b. Never enterdeep water that is moving across the road. 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 shallowest. It will also avoid splashing water into your engine compartment. It also lets you check how deep the water is before entering. • d. Always go slow to avoid water splashing into your engine. • e. Always check your brakes after going through deep water. • f. Never take chances with deep water. Find another route. • g. If you can not see the road, go another route. The road may be washed out. The most common way people drown during floods.

9. You may think the road is ok….

10. Let me mention…. • 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. Make sure which brake system you have before driving.

11. Stability Control Systems • Lots of new vehicles have the new Stability Control Systems. These vehicles will steer, brake and disconnect your accelerator, so you are no longer in total control of those things. • If your vehicle has these features, your input may be limited to screaming. These vehicles are supposed to be great at reducing driver error, the major cause of crashes on the road today.

12. Total Stopping Distance • The three parts of total stopping distance are:a. Perception time/distance;b. Reaction time/distance;c. Braking distance. • Refer to your text for more explanation if needed.

13. Anything! • Remember, anything that makes the driving task more difficult is an adverse condition. • Not just the weather or darkness.