Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions

Special Driving Conditions

Why special conditions matter

• Safe driving requires:

  • Full attention

  • Good judgment

  • Quick decision-making

• Special conditions make driving more difficult and dangerous.

Situations requiring extra caution

• Expressway driving

• Night driving

• Bad weather

• Emergency situations

Key takeaway

• Always stay alert and use your best judgment. Special driving conditions require extra attention, slower reactions, and careful decision-making.

Railroad Crossings

A place where a road and train tracks cross on the same level

Grade Crossings

What is a grade crossing?

• A grade crossing is where train tracks and a roadway meet.

• Treat it like an intersection.

• Always expect a train when approaching a crossing.

Safety rules at all crossings

• Never race a train.

• Never drive around lowered gates.

• Never stop on train tracks.

• Stay in your lane and keep the same gear when crossing tracks.

• Remember:

  • Trains can come from either direction.

  • Trains can run on any track.

  • Trains cannot stop quickly.

Active grade crossings (with lights/gates)

• Have flashing red lights and/or crossing gates.

• Stop and wait until:

  • Gates are completely raised.

  • Flashing lights stop.

• It is illegal and dangerous to go around gates or cross while lights are flashing.

Passive grade crossings (no lights/gates)

• Slow down and prepare to stop.

• Look carefully for trains before crossing.

• If there are multiple tracks:

  • Check all tracks in both directions before crossing.

Key takeaway

• Always expect a train, never go around gates, never stop on tracks, and cross only when it is completely safe.

Railroad Crossing Warning Sign 

COLOR: Yellow with black letters "RR" and "X" symbol.

MEANING: There is a railroad crossing ahead. Use caution, and be prepared to stop. If you are following a bus or truck approaching a railroad crossing, be careful. Most buses and some trucks must stop at railroad crossings. (See "Railroad Crossing Signals".)

Railroad Crossing Signals  

Flashing lights & crossing gates

• Flashing red lights, bells, and lowered gates mean STOP.

• Stop at least 15 feet (5 m) away from the tracks.

• Do not cross until:

  • Lights stop flashing.

  • Bells stop ringing.

  • Gates are completely raised.

• Never drive around or under a moving gate.

Crossbuck signs

• A crossbuck sign is an “X” shaped sign that says “RAILROAD CROSSING.”

• Treat it like a yield sign.

• If multiple tracks exist, the sign shows the number of tracks.

Before crossing tracks

• Look and listen for trains.

• Do not cross if a train is close enough to be dangerous, even if:

  • There are no signals.

  • Signals are not working.

• Only cross when you are sure your entire vehicle can clear all tracks.

• Never stop your vehicle on the tracks.

• If traffic blocks the other side, wait until there is enough space to fully cross.

Vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings

• School buses (with or without passengers).

• Passenger buses with people onboard.

• Vehicles carrying explosives or flammable materials.

Key takeaway

• Stop for railroad signals, yield at crossbuck signs, never cross unless your vehicle can fully clear the tracks, and always expect a train.

Pavement Markings  

Railroad crossing pavement markings

• Some railroad crossings do not have flashing lights or gates.

• Pavement markings warn drivers that a grade crossing is ahead.

• Markings usually include:

  • A large “X”

  • The letter “R” on both sides

Safety rules

• Slow down and prepare to stop.

• Stay behind the stop line while waiting for a train.

• Do not cross until it is safe.

Key takeaway

• Railroad pavement markings warn you of upcoming tracks—slow down, stop behind the line, and wait for trains to pass safely.

Stalling on Railroad Tracks

If your vehicle stalls on the tracks

• GET OUT immediately!

  • Everyone must leave the vehicle (children, babies, elderly passengers, etc.).

• Move away from the tracks even if you do not see a train.

• Find the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number listed.

  • Report the stalled vehicle and location.

If a train is approaching

• Move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle.

• Run toward the direction the train is coming from, but away from the tracks.

• Do not run down the tracks in the same direction as the train.

  • You could be hit by debris when the train strikes your vehicle.

Key takeaway

• If you stall on railroad tracks: Get out, move away, call for help, and run away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle toward the approaching train’s direction.

Expressway Driving

What is an expressway?

• A divided highway where traffic travels in one direction with 2 or more lanes.

• Drivers usually enter and exit using ramps.

• Common speed limits:

  • 55 mph normally.

  • Up to 65 mph in some rural areas.

Before entering an expressway

• Plan your entrance and exit points ahead of time.

• Know which lanes you need for entering and exiting.

• If you miss your exit:

  • Stay on the expressway until the next exit.

  • Do not back up on ramps.

  • Do not cross the median.

Entering an expressway

• Use the entrance ramp to accelerate to traffic speed.

• Signal before merging.

• Check traffic and look over your shoulder for vehicles.

• If needed, slow down to merge safely.

• If the entrance ramp is too short:

  • Stop and wait for a safe gap.

  • Enter and accelerate quickly.

Driving on an expressway

• Signal every lane change.

• Check your blind spot before changing lanes.

• Make sure your signal turns off after changing lanes.

• Watch for vehicles entering from ramps.

• If possible, move out of the right lane near entrances to give merging traffic space.

Exiting an expressway

• Check exit signs early and get into the correct lane.

• Signal at least 100 feet before the exit ramp.

• Slow down on the exit ramp.

• Follow the lower speed limit on ramps.

After leaving an expressway

• Check speed limit signs.

• Adjust your speed because roads after expressways are usually slower than 55 mph.

Safety tips

• Expressways require:

  • Faster thinking

  • Quick decisions

  • Good vehicle control

• Take frequent rest stops on long trips.

• Sunglasses can reduce glare and eye fatigue.

Key takeaway

• Plan your route, merge safely, signal every move, check blind spots, maintain proper speed, and slow down when exiting the expressway.

Night Driving

Why night driving is dangerous

• About 90% of driving decisions depend on vision.

• Night driving reduces visibility, making it harder to see:

  • Road hazards

  • Pedestrians

  • Other vehicles

• Vision at night can decrease with age.

Safe night driving

• Drive slower at night than during the day.

• Be extra careful on:

  • Unknown roads

  • Narrow roads

  • Roads with many curves

• Drive within the range of your headlights:

  • Headlights allow you to see about 350 feet ahead.

  • Your speed should allow you to stop safely within that distance.

When to use headlights

Use headlights:

• ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise.

• When visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

• When using windshield wipers for:

  • Rain

  • Snow

  • Sleet

• During:

  • Dawn

  • Dusk

  • Fog

Remember:

• Headlights help others see you.

• Do not use parking lights or daytime running lights instead of headlights.

Using high beams

• Use high beams carefully.

• Switch to low beams:

  • Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

  • Within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead.

  • When approaching pedestrians.

• Fog/driving lights must not create glare for others.

Handling headlight glare

• If an oncoming driver does not dim their lights:

  • Flash your high beams briefly.

  • Return to low beams.

• Avoid glare by:

  • Looking toward the right side of the road.

  • Using the road edge as a guide.

• Use the rear-view mirror night setting to reduce glare from vehicles behind you.

Reduce distractions and glare

• Turn off the inside roof light.

• Dim dashboard lights.

• Adjust sun visors if needed.

• Keep windshield and headlights clean.

Key takeaway

• Night driving requires slower speeds, proper headlight use, reduced glare, and extra attention because visibility is limited. Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within your headlights’ range.

Driving in Rain, Fog, or Snow

Driving in bad weather

• Rain, snow, ice, and wet leaves can make roads slippery.

• Improve safety by:

  • Reducing speed

  • Increasing following distance

  • Being extra careful on:

    • Curves

    • Turns

    • Expressway ramps

Hydroplaning

• Hydroplaning happens when tires ride on top of water, causing loss of traction and steering control.

• More likely when:

  • Driving at high speeds.

  • Tires have worn tread.

  • Tires are not properly inflated.

• To prevent it:

  • Drive slower in heavy rain.

  • Maintain tires with deep tread and proper pressure.

• If your vehicle loses traction:

  • Slow down gradually.

Headlights in bad weather

• Turn on headlights when using windshield wipers for:

  • Rain

  • Snow

  • Sleet

  • Fog

• Daytime running lights do not replace headlights.

• Use low beams in:

  • Rain

  • Fog

  • Snow

• High beams reflect off rain/fog/snow and make visibility worse.

Safe driving in poor visibility

• Reduce speed.

• Signal turns earlier to warn others.

• Brake earlier when stopping or slowing down.

• Give other drivers more time to react.

Fog lights

• Fog lights may be used in heavy fog or severe visibility conditions.

• Front fog lights: amber or white.

• Rear fog lights: red.

• Turn fog lights off when visibility improves to avoid creating glare for other drivers.

Key takeaway

• Slow down, increase following distance, use low beams, keep headlights on when required, and maintain good tires to stay safe in rain, fog, and snow.

How to Drive in Winter

Before winter weather

• Winter is the most difficult season to drive because of:

  • Snow and ice

  • Reduced daylight

• Prepare your vehicle:

  • Use good snow tires before the first storm.

  • Do not mix radial and non-radial tires.

  • Metal stud tires are allowed in NY only from October 16 – April 30.

Before driving in snow or ice

• Avoid driving unless necessary.

• Clear all snow and ice from:

  • Headlights

  • Back lights

  • Windshield wipers

  • Hood

  • Roof

  • Windows

• Fill windshield washer fluid with a freezing-resistant solution.

Safe winter driving

• Drive slowly.

• Match the speed of traffic.

• Do not drive faster just because your vehicle has:

  • Front-wheel drive

  • Four-wheel drive

• These vehicles handle better but can still skid.

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Recovering from a skid If rear wheels skid

• Turn the steering wheel in the same direction the vehicle is sliding:

  • Sliding left → steer left.

  • Sliding right → steer right.

• Continue adjusting until the vehicle is controlled.

• Braking:

  • ABS brakes: Apply steady pressure.

  • No ABS: Pump brakes gently.

If front wheels skid

• Remove your foot from the gas.

• Shift to neutral or push in the clutch.

• Do not steer immediately.

• Wait for traction to return.

• Then steer where you want to go and accelerate carefully.

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Preventing skids

• Brake:

  • Early

  • Slowly

  • Gently

• Use steady brake pressure.

• Keep wheels turning.

• If wheels begin locking:

  • Reduce brake pressure.

• Use a lower gear if needed.

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Winter hazards

• Bridges, ramps, and overpasses freeze first.

• Slippery areas may remain even after snow is removed.

Key takeaway

• Prepare your vehicle, drive slowly, avoid sudden movements, and know how to recover from skids. Even vehicles with better traction can lose control on ice and snow.

How to Avoid Collisions with Deer

When deer collisions are most common

• October, November, and December have the most deer-vehicle collisions.

• Deer are more active during breeding season.

• Deer activity is highest at:

  • Dawn

  • Dusk

• Deer often travel in groups → if you see one deer, expect more.

How to avoid hitting deer

• Be extra careful during dawn and dusk because:

  • Visibility is lower.

  • Deer are more active.

• Slow down when deer are near the road.

• Be prepared because deer can:

  • Suddenly run onto the road.

  • Change direction quickly.

• If one deer crosses the road:

  • Slow down.

  • Watch for additional deer following.

Deer crossing signs

• Pay extra attention near deer crossing signs.

• These signs are placed in areas with many previous deer collisions.

Warning other drivers

• Use:

  • Emergency flashers

  • Headlight flashes

• Warn other drivers when deer are near the roadway.

Key takeaway

• Slow down at dawn and dusk, especially in October–December. If you see one deer, expect more, and always be alert near deer crossing areas.

Driving Emergencies

Emergency Situations – Key Notes & Takeaways General Rule

• Do not panic.

• Stay calm and think before acting.

• Most emergencies give you a few seconds to react.

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Tire Blowout

• Hold the steering wheel tightly.

• Slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal.

• Do not brake until the vehicle is under control.

• Pull off the road when safe.

Loss of a Wheel

• Handle it like a tire blowout.

• Slow down and leave the roadway.

• Stop and check the vehicle.

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Steering Failure

• Slowly release the gas pedal.

• Turn on emergency flashers.

• Avoid using brakes suddenly.

• Brake carefully once speed decreases.

Brake Failure

• Pump the brake pedal to build pressure.

• If brakes still fail:

  • Use emergency/parking brake gently.

  • Shift to a lower gear to slow down.

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Headlight Failure

• Use:

  • Emergency lights

  • Parking lights

  • Turn signals

• Pull off the road safely if needed.

• Get help if headlights dim or fail.

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Stuck Gas Pedal

• Try to free the pedal with your shoe.

• If it stays stuck:

  • Shift into neutral.

  • Brake and pull off the road.

• Do not turn off the ignition (you may lose steering control).

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Running Off the Pavement

• Do not suddenly swerve back onto the road.

• Ease off the gas.

• Brake gently.

• Check traffic behind you.

• Return to the pavement carefully when slower.

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Vehicle Approaching Head-On in Your Lane

• Slow down.

• Move to the right side of the road.

• Use your horn to warn the driver.

• Do not move into the left lane.

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Stalling on Railroad Tracks

• If a train approaches:

  • Leave the vehicle immediately.

  • Move far away from tracks.

  • Run toward the direction the train is coming from at a 45-degree angle away from tracks.

• Do not run down the tracks in the same direction as the train (debris risk).

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Going Into Water

• Release your seat belt.

• Escape through a window (not the door).

• If the car sinks:

  • Move to the back seat.

  • Use the air pocket.

  • Take a breath and escape through a window.

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Fire

• Pull off the road.

• Turn off the ignition.

• Get away from the vehicle.

• Call the fire department.

• Do not try to fight the fire yourself.

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Blocked Vision

• Open side window if needed to see.

• Turn on emergency flashers.

• Carefully pull off the road and stop.

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Key takeaway

• Stay calm, avoid sudden movements, control the vehicle safely, and get off the road when possible. In emergencies, your first priority is protecting yourself and others.