Download - Driving at Night & in Inclement Weather
Driving at Night & in Inclement Weather
VisibilityThe single biggest contributor to crashes is failing to
identify a risk!
Tips for cutting down those risks are:
1. Look down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle. 2. Be alert for unexpected events. 3. Use your headlights at night and at other times when it’s hard to see. 4. Be alert and pay attention to what is going on around you.
Hazardous Conditions
1. Driving becomes hazardous when visibility is reduced or when the road surface is covered with rain, snow or ice.
2. Reducing your speed should be your first response todecreased visibility and dangerous road conditions.
3. Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from three seconds to six seconds
4. Turn on your headlights.
Headlights
• The Code of Virginia requires that you use your headlights from sunset to sunrise and during inclement weather, such as rain, fog, snow, or when you use your windshield wipers. At twilight, when the sun light begins to fade, turn your headlights ON. This will make your vehicle more visible to others.
When to Use Low Beams
1. Use low-beams when driving in cities and towns2. within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle3. following closely behind another vehicle (within 200 feet) 4. driving on lighted roadways5. driving in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust
Headlight Alignment and Speed
Properly aligned LOW BEAM headlights
T – 8.3
Topic 1 Lesson 2
lighted area above road300 to 500 feet
illuminated roadway100 to 150 feet
beam hits roadway 100 to 150 feet aheadilluminates area above road 300 to 500 feet aheada maximum safe speed of 40 to 45 mph is based on
your ability to stop within the lighted area
High BeamsUse high-beam headlights on highways and roadways that are not properly lit, unless another vehicle is within 500 feet coming toward you.
If the high beams of an oncoming car are on, • avoid looking directly at the bright lights. • glance toward the side of the road, then look quickly ahead to
determine the other vehicle’s position.• keep doing this until you have passed the other vehicle. • even if the other driver does not dim his headlights, do not turn
on your high-beam headlights.
Headlight Alignment and SpeedProperly Aligned High Beam Headlights
T – 8.4
Topic 1 Lesson 2
illuminated roadway300 to 500 feet
lighted area above road500 to 1800 feet
the beam hits the roadway 300 to 500 feet aheadilluminates the area above the road 500 to 1800 feet
aheadmaximum safe speed is 65 mph based on your ability
to stop within the lighted area
Nighttime Precautionary Measures
T – 8.5
Topic 1 Lesson 2
Clean windshield inside and outClean headlightsReduce night time speed.Increase following interval.Turn off interior lights.Look to the right of oncoming vehicles.Use high/low headlight beams properly.
Visibility Limitations in Fog
Reduce speedMake sure your headlights are on low beam (aimed at the road surface) to reduce the amount of light/glare reflected back at youTurn on your windshield wipersIf necessary, turn on the defroster or air conditioner
Driving in Drifting Fog
T – 8.7
Topic 1 Lesson 3
Hazards of Driving in RAIN
Driving in heavy rain can be as hazardous as driving in fog, especially if the wind is blowing.
Other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas are especially difficult to see when it’s
raining.
Safely Driving in RainUse your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. In light rain or drizzle, turn on your windshield wipers to improve visibility
*using wipers for sprinkles may smear the Windshield and make it harder to see, so make
sure you have windshield washer fluid.
When rain begins, during the first half-hour, roads are more likely to be slippery due to oil on the road surface mixing with water.
Snow
Remove snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, hood and rear of the vehicle, before you start driving.
Snow and ice left on the car can fly off when the vehicle is moving and create a hazard for other motorists.
Be sure to clear all of your windows, mirrors and front and rear lights of snow or ice so you can see and communicate with other drivers.
Tips for Safe Driving on Snow
Equip your car with all-weather snow tires or chains to help prevent skidding and reduce stopping distance.
Driving on packed snow is similar to driving on ice. When you brake, apply the brakes gently.
Slow down way before needing to stop or turn.
Easy does it!!
When driving on slippery surfaces and you need to stop, apply brakes gently.
You have the most traction and control when the front tires are rolling.
Therefore, your vehicle will respond more effectively to steering while moving more slowly than hard braking.
Watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas. Bridges freeze before other road surfaces.
If your stopping distance is longer than your sight distance, you have created a high risk situation – slow down
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Topic 1 Lesson 3
Stopping Distance
Visibility Range
Braking distances at 20 mph with conventional tires on different pavement conditions
Ice - 150 feet
Packed Snow - 60 feet
Wet - 25 feet
Dry - 20 feet
Turn headlights to low beams
Turn on windshield wipers
Make all steering, accelerating, and braking actions gently and smoothly
Maintain appropriate lane position
Be prepared for effects of gusting or strong
steady crosswinds
Reduce speed to accommodate shortened sight distance
Turn on emergency flashers when traveling below speed limit
Be alert for vehicles stopped on the roadway
Do not stop in travel lane or on shoulder
TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER
T – 8.10
Topic 1 Lesson 3