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Reduced VisibilityWhen visibility is reduced, more time is needed to use the IPDE Process.

In this chapter we will be discussing some techniques you can use when driving in a variety of adverse conditions.

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Your Vehicle WindowsYour Vehicle WindowsKEEP IT CLEAN!Use your wiper fluidFront and rear defrostersClean windows and lights before going out into adverse weather

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Sun GlareSun Glare

Sunglasses Use your visorTry to avoid looking directly at the Sun

Use your low beams so other drivers can see you

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At Dusk and DawnAt Dusk and Dawn

Low visual contrast between moving vehicles and the driving scene can be deceiving.

Again, by driving with your low beam you can make yourself more visible to other drivers.

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Driving at NightDriving at NightLow levels of light at night severely limit the use of the IPDE Process.

What are some things you would see during the day that you might not see at night?

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Using Your HeadlightsUsing Your HeadlightsHigh-beamHigh-beam headlights headlights

are used to see thingsare used to see things

further down the road.further down the road.

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Using Your Headlights cont.Using Your Headlights cont.Switch to low-beams…..Switch to low-beams…..-when following other cars-when following other cars..(1/2 (1/2

mile)mile)

-the instant you see the lights -the instant you see the lights of an oncoming vehicle. of an oncoming vehicle.

-if another vehicle passes -if another vehicle passes you.you.

This will help prevent you from blindingThis will help prevent you from blindingother drivers with your headlights.other drivers with your headlights. 8

Using Your Headlights cont.Using Your Headlights cont. Use your low-beams in weather like snow, heavy rain, or fog

Reason: Your high-beams will reflect more light back into your eyes in these weather conditions.

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Using Your Headlights cont.Using Your Headlights cont.When meeting other drivers whoWhen meeting other drivers who

fail to switch to their low-beams...fail to switch to their low-beams...

1.Briefly flick high-beams1.Briefly flick high-beams

2. Slow down and glance to the right if 2. Slow down and glance to the right if driver doesn’t responddriver doesn’t respond

3. Don’t stare directly into oncoming 3. Don’t stare directly into oncoming High-beams

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FOG RAIN SNOWUse low-beams and wipersSlow downIncrease your space cushionKeep your windows clean and clear

(washer fluid, defroster, ice scraper)

If driving conditions are too dangerous, delay

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Four common conditions thatcan limit your traction:RAIN SNOWICESAND, GRAVEL, MUD and other debris

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Reduce speed to compensate for loss of traction.

When rain first starts roadway can be very slick.

SLOW DOWN AND LIGHTLY TESTYOUR BRAKES!

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HydroplaningWhen a tire loses contact byrising up on top of water and no longer has contact with theroad, hydroplaning occurs.

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Causes of hydroplaning:Causes of hydroplaning: WaterSpeedTire ConditionPrevention:Prevention:Reduce your speedHave properly inflated tires withgood tread

Driving through deep waterDriving through deep water

When in doubt don’t!1. Estimate depth w/ cars or other objects2. Drive slow in low gear3. Apply light brake pressure with left foot while driving to insure brake is

functional (after)

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Driving in SnowDriving in SnowGentle acceleration, steering and

braking are the keys to controlling your vehicle in snow.

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Tips for driving in snow: If at all possible don’t drive in snow! Use all-season tiresUse Rocking technique if stuck in snow 1.Straighten wheels

2.Gently accelerate forward and backwards

3.Continue until tracks are made long enough to drive out.

Predict the worst when ice begins to form

Check for tractionSlow gradually if car begins to slide

If you don’t have to drive don’t

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When your tire loses all or part When your tire loses all or part of it’s traction on the road.of it’s traction on the road.

Can happen on any surface during:

Braking Accelerating orSteering

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Ways to prevent skidding:

Slow ahead of timeEarly detection Aim High in Steering!

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How to correct skidding situationsNever lock your brakesLet off acceleratorSteer in direction you want to goPump brakes if you don’t have ABSSlow down!If you have ABS apply brakes firmly

Listen for traffic reportsKeep windows cleanLower your speedKeep a safe following distanceKeep moving in snowUse lower gears on slippery roads

Avoid cruise control