Chapter 5 – SPECIAL SKILLS FOR DIFFICULT DRIVING ENVIRONMENTS

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INCLEMENT WEATHER

Changing weather conditions require changing driver procedures. When the road surface is wet or icy, braking and handling abilities are impaired. It is best not to drive at all in inclement weather but if you must drive, make sure your vehicle is operating safely and stay informed on weather conditions.

The best way to maintain control and safety once you are out driving in inclement weather is by slowing down your speed. In addition to slick roadways, bad weather can also make driving dangerous because of low visibility. You should lower your speed according to the visibility in front of you, keeping in mind what it would take to stop if you were to suddenly see another vehicle’s tail lights a few feet in front of your car.

If you cannot see beyond a few car lengths in front of your vehicle because of snow, rain, fog, or other weather, you should pull off as far as possible to the side of the road at an appropriate place, turn on your hazard lights (flashers), and wait out the weather, preferably a safe distance from the vehicle, which could be struck by another motorist in the low-visibility conditions. This highlights the need for appropriate outerwear and other supplies to have, such as an umbrella and flares.

Some drivers do not adjust their driving to the conditions, and continue at regular speeds in situations that warrant caution, lower speeds, and greater distances between vehicles. Focus on your own driving, and if conditions are making you concerned, slow down. Other motorists who want to drive fast through inclement weather should be allowed to pass, but don’t be distracted by them. The best thing you can do to deal with aggressive drivers is to avoid being one. It makes even less sense to be an aggressive driver in inclement weather.

As in all driving conditions, refrain from talking on a cell phone when driving.

In 2013, the Texas Transportation Commission was given the authority to temporarily change the speed limit to address inclement weather conditions, congestion, road conditions or any other condition that affects the safe and orderly movement of traffic on roadways. Notice of the changed speed limit can be displayed by using a portable message sign.

RAIN

Improve visibility; turn on your lights and defroster. Be sure the vehicle has an ample supply of windshield-washer fluid and the wiper blades are in good working condition. A good rule of thumb is to turn on your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers.

Avoid sudden moves, try to drive in the tracks of the car ahead, reduce your speed, and allow for additional stopping distance. Use the four second rule.

Hydroplaning occurs when the tires of your car lose contact with the road and ride up on a wedge of water. Make sure your tires have proper treads and are properly inflated. If you do hydroplane, keep the steering wheel straight; take your foot off the gas. Don’t hit your brakes. As you slow, the weight of the car will cause it to settle down onto the road again.

Be very cautious in light rain or mist. Oil and dirt on the roadway surface make driving extra slippery. Remember, puddles can hide potentially damaging potholes.

FLOODS

Do not attempt to drive through flood waters. The water may be deeper than it looks. Two (2) feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

If you happen to drive into an area where water is running swiftly, the force of the current may pull your car to one side. If this happens ease off the gas pedal, but don’t touch the brakes. Then steer away from the swift water.

If your car is caught in a flash flood, get out of your car immediately and move to higher ground.

WINTER DRIVING

  • Before driving, thoroughly clean ice and snow off all windows, the hood and the trunk.
  • Utilize snow tires and chains if necessary.
  • Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. Depending on the weight of your vehicle, you will need three (3) to twelve (12) times more stopping distance on icy roads than on dry surfaces.
  • Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
  • Start slowing down BEFORE you come to a turn.
  • Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
  • Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
  • Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
  • Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
  • Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
  • Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
  • If caught in a blizzard, stay in your car. Leave a window partially open. Clear the snow away from your tailpipe. Run the engine & heater for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm.
  • If your car is low on gas, what is left in the tank can freeze. Then you’ll really be stuck, stranded somewhere. Save yourself some anxiety and potential danger by making sure to keep your gas tank full.

FOG

Driving in heavy fog is like driving blindfolded. Statistically it’s the most dangerous driving hazard there is. No matter how important the trip is, it’s not worth gambling your life. By far the safest thing to do if you run into fog is to move well off the road and wait for the fog to lift. If you see a patch of fog ahead, slow down before you reach it.

  • Reduce your speed and turn on your headlights, use the four second rule.
  • Make sure that you can be seen. Turn on your fog lights, and make sure your high beams aren’t turned on by accident. High beams direct light up into the fog, making it difficult for you to see. Low beams direct light down onto the road and help other drivers to see you.
  • Don’t use your emergency flasher. Studies have shown that drivers are attracted to flashing lights and tend to drive into them inadvertently.
  • Don’t turn off your headlights in heavy fog, even if they interfere with your forward visibility a little. Headlights are the only part of your vehicle that oncoming drivers can see at a distance.
  • If you can’t continue, pull well onto the shoulder, getting your vehicle completely off the road.

TORNADOES:

  • Never try to outrun a tornado.
  • If you believe a tornado is very close, leave your car. If you can’t find shelter in a safe building, lie flat in the nearest depression such as a ditch or gully with your arms over your head.

HURRICANES:

  • If a hurricane watch is issued for your area, pack your car with essentials and fill your gas tank.
  • You may be ordered to evacuate. Listen to the radio for instructions. Be familiar with designated evacuation routes and use them.
  • Flooding can happen without warning both before and after a hurricane.
  • Watch for downed utility lines, trees, and debris from hurricane force winds.

THUNDERSTORMS:

  • It is safest to stay in your car when lightning is present. If you have to park, do so in an open area away from trees.
  • Watch for flooded roadways.
  • If you are driving after a thunderstorm, be vigilant for downed branches and power lines or other debris lying in the road.
  • Hail associated with thunderstorms can hamper visibility and may shatter windshields.

HOT WEATHER

Hot weather causes more than 7 million cars to breakdown on the road each summer nationwide.

  • When driving in hot weather it is particularly important to keep an eye on the lights and gauges. If your temperature gauge moves up, turn off your air conditioner and turn on the heater to its highest and hottest setting. It will be uncomfortable, but it will help draw some of the heat away from the engine.
  • If you are stopped in traffic put the car in “park” and lightly step on the gas to help circulate coolant.
  • If the temperature light goes on or if the gauge enters the red zone, immediately pull off the road to a safe spot, well away from traffic. Do not drive any further, not even to the next exit. Driving with an overheated engine can cause serious damage to the engine.
  • Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap itself. The hot pressurized coolant will spray out with great force. Do not pour water over the radiator or engine, since a dramatic change in temperature could cause damage. After the engine cools, add a 50-50 mix of coolant and water to the reservoir to bring it up to its proper level.
  • Even when not stranded due to a breakdown, summer heat can pose dangers. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car. Even an outside temperature in the 80s can quickly bring a car interior to lethal levels.
  • Bring a cell phone for emergency calls.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

The worst day for traffic is Friday and the worst commute is 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Friday; the best week day for traffic is Monday; the worst morning is Wednesday; and the best morning is Friday.

The country’s Top 10 congested areas:

  1. Boston, Mass
  2. Chicago, Ill
  3. Philadelphia, PA
  4. New York , NY
  5. Washington D.C.
  6. Los Angeles, Calif
  7. San Francisco, Calif
  8. Portland, Ore
  9. Baltimore, Md
  10. Atlanta, Ga

HOW TO AVOID CONTRIBUTING TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Pay attention. Start making an active effort to stay alert by scanning ahead as far as you can see. Your peripheral vision will take care of what isn’t directly ahead of you. Watch for slowing ahead for road hazards and for accidents or other problems at the road side. Anticipate slowdowns and back off or downshift even if you are driving an automatic. Don’t be a brake tapper on the freeway. It can cause a ripple effect for miles. If you see a road hazard, such as debris in the road, call your local law enforcement agency through a non emergency line and report the hazard. The sooner someone reports a problem, the less impact it will have on the commute.

Plan ahead. When you will be using a freeway junction or exiting the freeway, entering or exiting the carpool or express lanes, don’t wait until the last minute to merge over. You don’t have to get over miles ahead, but merging smoothly keeps traffic flowing.

HOW TO AVOID CONTRIBUTING TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION (continued)

Use the “zipper method” to merge. The “Zipper method” of merging utilizes the entire roadway and ensures a smooth and even merge of 2 lanes of traffic by alternating between the two lanes. Instead of racing to the end of the merge lane, or merging prematurely before the end of the lane, drivers in the merging lane should continue to the end of the lane at a speed that is matched to the second lane. Drivers in the second lane should then allow the merging lane to alternate one for one as they merge together into a single lane. Racing to the end of the merging lane infuriates other drivers, and merging prematurely creates a situation that inefficiently uses the roadway. Smoothly alternate one for one with the “zipper method.”

Texas follows the Uniform Vehicle Code and requires drivers to keep right if they are going slower than the normal speed of traffic (regardless of the speed limit). TxDOT may post “left lane for passing only”.

Often times, congestion occurs simply from drivers passing through an area driving in the merge lanes. This results in the potential for unnecessary congestion for mergers. If you don’t plan to exit the freeway you are driving on, stay in the thru lane or fast lane(s). When your exit is the next up, simply shift your car into the lane necessary to exit the freeway. If you are camping in the left lane going 3 mph over the speed limit and cars have to pass you on the right, you are contributing to the congestion.

Don’t rubberneck. When there’s an accident or a breakdown on the side of the road, stopping (or slowing down) to take a look is the worst thing you can do. Remember, it creates a log jam that prevents emergency vehicles from getting help to the injured, and it slows down everyone behind you.

Pull over quickly and completely if you have a problem. If your car begins to break down, pull over as soon as you can. A flat tire can do terrible damage to the rest of your car if you attempt to continue driving on it, and almost any car trouble is made worse by allowing the engine to run until it actually breaks down and quits. Pull over and stop your car, then signal or use your cell phone to get help immediately.

Avoid the temptation to talk on the phone, text, put make-up on, or read the newspaper even if traffic is moving very slowly. The idea is to remain alert enough to keep traffic flow moving as best it can.

Don’t react to aggressive or rude behaviors of others. Some of these people can work on your last nerve, but reacting by returning the “favor” of slamming on your brakes just as you get in front of them, or by attempting to cut them off to repay them for cutting you off will just make things worse for everyone. It’s also dangerous. Rage shootings and collisions may be rare, but they do happen. Don’t give anyone a reason to pull anything on you.

Drive courteously. When you can see someone signaling, or drifting, to change lanes, fall back if your front grill is behind the driver of that car. If you are neck and neck, either speed up to allow the other driver in behind you, or if you are very gallant, fall back and “block” for him. If you slow a bit to allow that driver to come in ahead of you, traffic will recover almost instantly.

Take Mass Transit. The best way to avoid contributing to traffic congestion is to take mass transit. When travelling around town, jump on a bus or train instead of in your car. Taking mass transit can be faster, cheaper, and more relaxing. It also helps minimize environmental damage caused by excessive car use.

Try Active Transportation. Active transportation (walking, jogging, roller blading, riding a bicycle, etc.) is another great way of reducing congestion. Active transportation takes cars off roads and is the most cost effective means of transportation. This is also an easy way to improve your health, cut your gas bill and save the environment.

CITY and URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), city streets are the sites of more crashes involving nonfatal injuries and/or property damage. The insurance group cites a 2008 Insurance Research Council study that found 80 percent of crashes occurred in urban settings.

An IIHS study indicated 75 percent of all urban crashes (and 83 percent of injury-related accidents) involved:

  • Failing to heed red lights, stop or yield signs, or other traffic controls.
  • Colliding into the rear end of a driver who was stopping or had stopped the vehicle.
  • Running off the road and striking an object.
  • Swerving into another occupied traffic lane.
  • Turning left and colliding with an oncoming vehicle.

The steps you can take to survive the urban/city driving environment are simple:

  • Stop at red lights and prepare to stop at traffic lights that have turned yellow.
  • Stop at stop signs and yield to traffic that has the right of way. Making a left is the most frequent crash situation.
  • Scan the road ahead of you; keep your attention focused on the driving task.
  • Keep a cushion of space around your vehicle. Have a plan of action and the space around you to allow yourself to make a maneuver to avoid a crash.
  • Drive defensively.

RURAL ENVIRONMENTS

On two-lane roads, high-speed head on collisions, the deadliest of all crashes, are more common on rural highways than on urban freeways or rural interstate highways. A key to safe driving on rural roads is not to exceed the posted speed limit.

  • Rural roads are usually narrower than city streets. Drivers should take extra caution on rural roads where there are sharp turns, dips and blind corners shaded by woods or fields.
  • Learn to share the road with slow-moving vehicles like farm equipment and horse-drawn buggies.
  • If you see a horse-drawn vehicle or slow-moving farm equipment in your path, slow down and prepare to pass with caution. Only pass when legal and safe.
  • Remember that gravel roads have less traction, so applying the brakes hard or turning sharply may cause your vehicle to skid.

EXPRESSWAY ENVIRONMENTS

ENTERING THE EXPRESSWAY

  • You must yield the right-of way to vehicles already on the freeway.
  • Enter the speed change lane, stay to the right, signal left. When the way is clear, increase your speed so you can merge with the flow of traffic.

DRIVING THE EXPRESSWAY

  • Use the right-hand lane: If you wish to drive at the minimum speed limit or below the normal flow of traffic.
  • Using the middle or left-hand lane: if you are traveling faster than other traffic.
  • If you plan to leave the freeway soon, change to the exit lane as early as possible.
  • Once you have chosen your lane: Stay in the middle of your lane.
  • Stay in your lane; do not weave in and out of traffic.
  • Maintain a constant speed. Keep pace with the traffic.
  • Stay at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. In bad weather increase the time to at least 4 seconds.
  • Adjust your speed to allow others to enter or exit safely.
  • Vehicles in any lane, except the right lane used for slower traffic, should be prepared to move to another lane to allow faster traffic to pass.

LEAVING THE EXPRESSWAY

  • Move into the proper lane well in advance of the exit. The greater the traffic, the earlier you should move into the proper lane. Exit signs are usually placed at least 1000 yards ahead of the exit turn off.
  • Slow down on the exit ramp. While exiting, slow down even more, so that by the time you are off the freeway you are traveling within the slower speed limit of the access road.

REDUCED VISIBILITY CONDITIONS

HILLS AND CURVES

Hills and curves present a hazard to drivers because your line of vision is limited. You may see a traffic sign saying “Limited Sight Distance -55”. What that is warning you about is that you cannot see what is beyond the top of the hill or around the curve so you should reduce your speed to 55 mph in this case. Of course the speed limit posted on these signs will vary depending on each situation.

Use caution whenever approaching a hill or curve.

HOW to DRIVE DOWN a STEEP HILL and SAVE YOUR BRAKES

There are times, even in a vehicle with automatic transmission that you SHOULD manually downshift.

Instead of using your brakes to slow your vehicle down on a steep grade, use what is known as “engine braking” that we spoke about earlier.

This is a good idea if you want to:

  • save your brakes a lot of unnecessary wear & tear
  • actually HAVE brakes at the end of the hill.

In fact, you will increase the life of your brakes by a few months (or even years, depending on how much steep downhill driving you do) if you simply use engine braking whenever possible, rather than actually pressing the brake pedal to slow your vehicle.

In short, you are literally using the engine to break the speed of your vehicle traveling downhill. This does not harm the engine itself or any of the inner working parts.

In a vehicle with automatic transmission, you can “shift-on-the-fly” into 2nd gear (indicated as “2” on the gear shift) at any point while you are driving, so long as you are traveling under 50 mph or so.

You will hear the engine downshift into this lower gear, and the vehicle will begin to slow, naturally and safely, while you continue to drive and maintain your place in the traffic as you head on down the hill.

Should you feel the need to slow down even MORE on a really steep hill, then feel free to “shift-on-the-fly” into 1st gear (indicated as “1” on the gear shift) while you are driving, so long as you are traveling under 30 mph or so.

In both 2nd and 1st gears, you can continue to give it gas AND utilize your brakes like normal, though your need to do so will greatly be reduced.

Whenever you reach flatter land and no longer need to slow down by pressing the brakes OR using engine braking, then feel free to shift back into your normal “D” (Drive) position on the gear shift. This can be done at any point while you are driving, so long as you are going 50 mph or less (to go from 2nd to “D”) or 30 mph or less (to go from 1st to “D”).

If you ever shift down to 1st gear, you will notice that you can’t go much faster than 35 mph in 1st. If you give it gas, the engine will simply rev louder, but you won’t really go any faster. You’ve topped out 1st gear, speed-wise.

If you need to go faster when you’re in 1st, then simply switch to 2nd gear. You can safely switch between 2nd and 1st gears anywhere in the 30-mph-or-less range.

Again, once you reach flat land and no longer need to slow your vehicle in such a way, then simply shift back into “D” for normal driving and use your brakes again for routine slowing and stopping.

NIGHTTIME

Driving at night is more dangerous than daytime driving. According to the National Safety Council traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day.

The following tips can help you to stay safer while driving at night:

  • You must use your headlights beginning one-half hour after sunset and ending one half hour before sunrise, or any other time when persons or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1000 feet.
  • Keep windshield (inside and out) and lights (both head and tail lights) clean.
  • Make sure headlights are properly aimed. You may blind oncoming drivers and reduce your ability to see the road properly.
  • Reduce your speed and increase your following distance at night. Texas as well as many other states has posted lower nighttime speed limits.
  • Try to stick with well-lit roads. Keep your speed lower on dark roads to avoid overdriving your headlights.
  • If oncoming vehicles fail to lower their headlight beams avoid glare from light by focusing on the right edge of the road as a steering guide.
  • If cars behind you are following too closely or if glare from their headlights is bothering you, pull over and allow them to pass you.
  • If you wear glasses ask your eye-care provider about special anti-glare coatings.
  • When driving at night make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you become too tired to drive find a place to stop and rest.
  • If you have an older car that does not have daytime running lights, be sure to put on your headlights as soon as twilight occurs. This makes it easier for other drivers to see your car.

GLARE

Glare from headlights has flared into a bigger problem than ever.

Many vehicles now sport fog lamps or other auxiliary lights in front.

High intensity discharge (HID) lights are showing up on more cars in the United States, especially upscale models. They use a high voltage electrical arc to ionize xenon gas and make it glow. HIDs emit twice the light of halogen headlamps, but also produce a blue-white light.

Headlights pointed as little as one degree too high can make a huge difference to oncoming drivers. Miss-aimed beams also don’t cast as much light on the road, where it is needed the most. Studies show that almost half the vehicles in states that require regular inspections had at least one improperly aimed headlight.

Sales of SUVs and light trucks have surpassed sales of passenger cars. Many of these larger vehicles, especially the four-wheel-drive variety, ride higher than cars. As a result their headlights ride higher, and can shine directly into your eyes.

PREPARE TO FIGHT GLARE

  • Clean your headlights. When you squeegee your windshield at the gas station, be sure to clean your headlights, too. Even a thin layer of road grime on the lenses can block up to 90 percent of the light and severely restrict your ability to see at night.
  • Keep all glass clear. Streaks, smudges, and road grime on your windows catch and refract light. This includes the inside of your windshield.
  • Aim your headlights correctly. Properly aligned headlights will help you see the road better, and will help other drivers avoid glare.

Adjust both outside mirrors. Properly aligned mirrors not only reduce blind spots, they also reduce glare from vehicles behind you.

AAA recommends the following method:

  • While sitting in the driver’s seat, lean to the left and tilt your head until it rests against the window. From that position, adjust the driver’s side mirror so you can just see the left rear fender.
  • Next, while sitting in the driver’s seat, lean to the right and tilt your head until it’s in the center of the vehicle. From that position, adjust the passenger-side mirror so that the right rear fender is just visible.

Now when cars pass you, you’ll notice that your mirrors don’t direct the brightest part of the headlights into your eyes. You’ll also notice that the arrangement reduces blind spots and makes it easier to spot vehicles to the side and rear.

Behind The Wheel Tips for Fighting Glare

  • Avert your eyes. When oncoming vehicles shine light directly into your eyes, look down and to the right. Turn your gaze to the white line on the right side of the road, or to where pavement meets the shoulder, until the vehicle goes by. You can still see the vehicles around you with your peripheral vision, but the glare won’t bother you as much because you are not using the most light-sensitive part of your eyes.
  • Use the mirror’s “night” setting. All cars have “day/night” interior mirrors to reduce reflected glare from vehicles directly behind you. You can change the mirror to its “night” setting by flipping the small lever at the bottom of the mirror.
  • Use your lights courteously. If your car has fog lamps, don’t use them if there is no fog. In fog, use only your low-beam headlights; high beam reduce your own ability to see and may temporarily blind other drivers. Avoid using your high beams when you see oncoming vehicles or when you drive in urban areas.
  • Take frequent breaks. If you’re driving at night for a long time, stop often to reduce fatigue and give your eyes a chance to recover. Take a short nap, or at least a brisk walk and some caffeine to help you stay alert.

NEVER WEAR SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT.

Roadway Conditions

Part of becoming an experienced and skillful driver is learning the most effective methods of driving safely when road conditions are less than ideal. Knowing how to navigate successfully when driving conditions are dangerous is important to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers and fellow drivers.

Some other conditions you may need to be aware of are:

  • Potholes or uneven pavement
  • Defectively programmed traffic lights
  • Improper or missing signs
  • Insufficient or lack of shoulder
  • Lack of guardrails or inadequate guardrails
  • Lack of or inappropriate warning of road work
  • Objects left in the roadway
  • Other hazardous road conditions
  • Other roadway design defects
  • Overgrown trees or vegetation blocking signs or line of sight
  • Pooling water / hydroplaning
  • Low water crossings
  • Insufficient median or divider
  • Poorly marked construction zones
  • Narrow roads
  • Inadequate road lighting/illumination

Reduce your speed and pay attention to obstacles or other conditions that could be hazardous or unsafe.

Watch the video and don’t forget to take the quiz now while it is all fresh in your head

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