St. Francis Prep

Driver Education

Lecture # 9

Driving In Adverse Weather

Conditions (pg.274-278)

Driving In Adverse Weather Conditions

What is an adverse weather condition? An unfavorable condition.

What are some unfavorable or adverse conditions?

GlareRainSnowIce

Glare

Glare is a bright light that hits the windshield. Glare reduces visibility and many times can temporarily blind a driver.•Glare can cause you to become more easily fatigued.

Glare

What conditions create glare from the sun?Sun glare is most dangerous at certain

times.oEarly & Late in the day when you drive directly into the sun.

Glare can be caused by reflection off of other vehicles.

When the sun is low in the horizon glare can make it hard to see

oBrake lights, Glare is worse with a dirty windshield

Driving Safely In Glare

Prepare in AdvanceMake sure the windshield is clean.Replace badly scratched and pitted front

windshieldUse sunglasses.Reduce your speed/leave more distance.Keep in mind others may not see you.

Rain & Snow

How do rain and snow affect visibility, time, and space?

You won’t be able to see far in any direction.

You may not see the edge of the road way.Snow collecting on your windshield can

cause blind spots.

Rain & Snow

How do rain and snow affect visibility, time, and space?

Snow & Rain can make the road way slick.You won’t be able stop and steer as

securely as you would on a dry road.It is more difficult to judge distances.

Precautionary Measures In Rain & Snow

Advanced PreparationsClean Windows.Clean the lights.Check tire tread and pressure.Check headlights.Check windshield wipers.Check defroster

Precautionary Measures In Rain & Snow

Margin of SafetyDrive slower.Leave extra space between your vehicle and other vehicles.

Low Beam HeadlightsThis increases the distance you can see.Makes your car more visible to other drivers and pedestrians.

Precautionary Measures In Rain & Snow

Vehicle TracksIn wet pavement drive in the tracks of the vehicles ahead of you.

Advance NoticeGive advance notice when you intend to turnGive advance notice when you intend to stopSignal EARLY!

Ice

Horrible idea to be out on the road!!!!!! Reduce your speed to a crawl! Get off the road ASAP!

Turns & Curves

Avoid sudden:•Acceleration•Stops•Movements of the steering wheel Be Alert!

Minimize Your Risk in Rain & Snow

In snowy or icy conditions wait until roads are clear.

If you must drive•Go slow•Leave a huge margin of safety.•Use gradual slow movements.

Minimize Your Risk in Rain & Snow

Anticipate and prevent hydroplaning.•The first 10-15 minutes are the most dangerous.•Dirt & oil form a slippery film.•Even at speeds as low as 35MPH the vehicle can begin to skim along the wet surface.•Tires lose complete contact with the road – hydroplaning.