Safe Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions

Vehicle Skid and Control

• A locked wheel skid primarily occurs due to braking too hard, leading to loss of traction.
• In vehicles with four-wheel ABS, if a locked wheel skid happens, ease off the brake and steer in the direction you want to go to regain control.
• When starting to skid on a slippery surface, the first step is to steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

Skidding Prevention and Responses

• Avoid sudden maneuvers or braking when driving on slippery surfaces to prevent skidding.
• If a non-ABS vehicle begins to skid, pump the brakes gently to regain traction without locking the wheels.

Driving Safety Measures

• When a vehicle with a single headlight approaches, slow down and be cautious, as it may be a motorcycle or an improperly operated vehicle.
• Drive slowly on slippery roads to ensure better control and reduce the chances of skidding.

Regaining Control and Hydroplaning

• To regain control during a skid on a slippery road, steer gently and avoid overcorrection.
• Hydroplaning is most commonly caused by excessive water or standing water on the road.

Prevention Techniques

• To avoid getting stuck in snow or mud, maintain momentum and choose proper paths to navigate through difficult terrain.
• If brakes get wet while driving, pump them lightly to dry them out and restore effective braking.

Weather Conditions and Driving

• Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow, as road conditions can change rapidly and increase the risk of skidding.
• The most important action if your vehicle starts to hydroplane is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight until traction is regained.

Handling Stuck Vehicles and Visibility

• If stuck in snow or mud, attempt to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, while avoiding excessive spinning of the wheels.
• Hydroplaning can occur when tires lose contact with the road due to the buildup of water, typically at speeds over 30 mph on wet roads.
• When visibility is below 100 feet while driving, it's crucial to slow down significantly and be prepared to stop.

Preparedness for Winter Driving

• Carrying snow chains for your tires is important to enhance grip and traction in snowy or icy conditions, ensuring safer travels.

Test your knowledge of safe driving practices in snowy, rainy, and low-visibility conditions. Learn about the importance of snow chains, hydroplaning, and adjusting speed to road conditions.