XII.

Hazardous Conditions

Driving in the Fog

It is never easy to drive in the fog. Your chances of joining the vehicle pileup ahead of you increase tremendously as the visibility reduces to only a few feet. While driving in fog, use your low beams; high beams will reflect off the dense fog and cause glare. You can also use fog lamps in conjunction with headlights. They should be mounted on the front at a height of not less than 12 inches nor more than 30. Be sure to keep your windshield wipers and defrosters in good working order; you'll need them if fog descends on you while driving.

Speed

If you enter a fog bank, the last thing you want to do is stop suddenly. Maintain a steady speed. Your visibility is drastically reduced, but in all but extreme circumstances you should be able to see the road ahead for several yards; drive cautiously as the visibility will allow. Always look for slow-moving or stopped vehicles ahead of you. Be prepared to stop suddenly or take swerving action. Similarly, look in the rearview mirror for vehicles coming up from behind. You may need to speed up to avoid getting hit by a vehicle from behind.

When Your Vehicle Stalls

There will be times when your car stalls due to mechanical failure, tire blowout or running out of gas. The first thing to do is to move your vehicle off the roadway, out of the harm's way. Park your car as far to the right as possible. Turn off the headlights as other drivers may mistakenly think you are moving. Get out of the car and stay away from it. If possible, protect yourself by standing behind guardrail, tree or some other obstacle. Turn on car flashers to warn other drivers of the emergency. If you have flares, place them 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle.

General Tips

Although your visibility may be drastically reduced due to the fog, you may still be able to listen for the traffic you cannot see.

Slippery Roads

Slow down at the first sign of rain on the road. This is when many roads are the most slippery because oil and dust have not been washed away. If the road is slippery, it will not give your tires the grip they need. You must drive slower than you would on a dry road.

Here are some guidelines to help you adjust speed:

Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet. These roads usually have warning signs. Here are some clues to help you spot slippery roads:

1. On cold, wet days, shade from trees or buildings can hide spots of ice. These areas freeze first and dry out last.
   
2. Bridges and overpasses can also hide spots of ice. They tend to freeze before the rest of the road does.
   
3. If it starts to rain on a hot day, pavement can be very slippery for the first few minutes. Heat causes oil in the asphalt to come to the surface. It makes the road slippery until the oil is washed off.
   
4. Close to the freezing point, the road is icy and may be more slippery than at colder temperatures.

Water on the Road

Slow down when there is a lot of water on the road. In a heavy rain, your tires can lose all contact with the road at about 50 mph. Your car will be riding on water or "hydroplaning." A slight change of direction or a gust of wind could throw your car into a skid. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually - don't apply the brakes.

Driving in Snow and Ice

Sometimes a road that is normally safe becomes dangerous when slippery. Ice and packed snow on the road can cause the car to skid, especially if you are driving fast or going downhill. If you do go into a skid, ease off the gas pedal, stop braking, and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If you can't control your car on a slippery surface, try to find something to stop you. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement or on the shoulder of the road. You may have to slowly edge into a snow bank or some bushes to stop.

To help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces, you should:

If the brakes get wet, dry them by pressing the gas pedal and brake pedal at the same time so that the car drives against the pressure of the brakes. Do this only until the brakes begin working.

Avoid especially slippery areas, such as ice patches, wet leaves, oil, or deep puddles.

Safe Driving Tips: How To Stop Skidding

If You Get Into An Acceleration Skid

An acceleration skid usually involves only the rear wheels and happens when the tires lose traction on the road surface. To maintain control of the vehicle, ease off the gas pedal and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out.

If You Get Into A Locked Wheel Skid

This type of skid is usually caused by a person braking too hard at a high rate of speed and locking the wheels. The vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned until you release the brakes to unlock the wheels. Then straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out. Slow the vehicle gradually until you are at a safe speed to continue your trip. 

How To Rock Out

When you are stuck in mud or snow:

You may avoid getting stuck if you always carry chains in you vehicle. Put them on the tires before driving in snow or mud.

Equipment Failure

Brake Failure

If your brakes suddenly give out:

Power Steering Failure

Headlight Failure

If your headlights go out at night:

Hood Latch Failure

If your hood suddenly flies up:

Stuck Gas Pedal

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