Darkness and Slippery Roads

What should you do when it’s too dark/too light out? Part 1

Use your high beams on open country roads/dark city streets, and make sure you can stop within the distance of your high beams. Dim your high beams to avoid blinding others. If someone’s lights are too bright, look towards the right edge of your lane while watching the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye.

What should you do when it’s too dark/too light out? Part 2

When it's raining, use your low beams. When leaving a brightly lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust. When a vehicle with one headlight drives towards you, drive as far to the right as possible, as they could be a motorcyclist or bicyclist.

How do you legally deal with sun glare?

Keep your windshield (in and out) clean. Wear polarized sunglasses. Make sure your car visor works and isn't obstructed. Try to avoid driving during sunrise or sunset.

What is a skid, and how do you prevent one on slippery surfaces?

A skid is when 1 or more tires lose traction, and your vehicle starts to slip. To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces, slow down when approaching intersections/curves (and follow through slowly on sharp turns), avoid fast turns and sudden stops, and shift to a lower gear before going down a steep hill.

What should you do if you start to skid?

Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator. Do not use the brakes. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement.

What should you do during a locked wheel skid when you have four-wheel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)?

Apply firm pressure on the brake pedal.

What should you do during a locked wheel skid when you have rear-wheel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)?

Ease off the brake pedal while maintaining just enough pressure to let the front wheels roll again. Stop braking and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

What should you do during a locked wheel skid when you have front-wheel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)?

Remove your foot from the brake pedal to unlock the wheels. Steer in the direction you want to go. Straighten the front wheels as you begin to straighten up.

What should you do during a locked wheel skid when you have no ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)?

Quickly pump the brakes. Downshift your vehicle into a lower gear or neutral. Try using your emergency brake to stop.

What should you do if you press your brake pedal and it sinks to the floor during a skid?

Quickly pump the brakes by gently applying and releasing pressure.

What should you do if your brakes get wet?

Lightly press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time until dry.

What should you do on a slippery road?

Drive more slowly and leave more space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.

What should you do on a wet road, if there’s packed snow, and if there’s ice?

Wet road: reduce your speed by 5-10 mph. Packed snow: reduce speed by half. Ice: drive 5mph or less.

Where may roads be more slippery?

It may be slipperier in the shade from trees or buildings (hidden icy spots) and on bridges or overpasses (which tend to freeze before the rest of the road).

What are some more general slippery road rules?

Slow down at the beginning of rain/drizzle/snow, as oil and dust make the road more slippery. If you can’t see farther than 100 ft ahead of you, drive 30mph or less.