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

Adverse Conditions
• Adverse conditions usually refer to traction
or visibility. Adverse conditions
should include anything that makes the
driving task more difficult.
What?
• When driving in adverse conditions, the
goal is to recognize and understand the
limitations while driving accordingly.
Weather
• Adverse conditions can include:
a. rain
b. snow
c. fog & darkness
d. sun glare
e. other vehicles blocking vision
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).
Dealing with Visibility
• a. Slow down (not 10 mph on the freeway!)
b. Increase following distance
c. 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!
Driving at Night
• Sixty percent of fatal accidents occur at
night.
• There are many reasons here, but
reduced visibility is among them.
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.
Dealing with Deep Water on the
Highway
• a. Check the depth of water on the road surface. Use other vehicles
or landmarks.
• b. Never enter deep 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.
You may think the road is ok….
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.
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.
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.
Anything!
• Remember, anything that makes the
driving task more difficult is an adverse
condition.
• Not just the weather or darkness.