Page 10 - Final GA Parent Teen Driving Guide Updated August 2021

INTRODUCTION

Hot or Cold Temperatures Changing Traction Conditions
Hot or cold temperatures place demands on Traction or adhesion is the grip the tires have
WEATHER INFO tires, radiator coolant, hoses, connections, and on the road surface, which allows the vehicle to
drive belts and increase driving risks. Check start, stop, and/or change directions. As speed
these items prior to and after driving during increases, traction between the tires and the road
TUNE RADIO TO these conditions. decreases. Three kinds of traction influence mo-
tor vehicle control: static, rolling (dynamic), and
750 AM 95.5 FM Strong Wind sliding. Road surface conditions that decrease
Strong wind conditions create a problem the level of traction are ice, snow or frost, wet
for drivers called buffeting. This occurs on surfaces or standing water, mud or wet leaves,
bridges, through mountain passes and ravines, uneven surfaces, sand, gravel, and curves. Speed
and when being passed by large trucks. Re- should be reduced in such conditions.
Tips for Driving in duce speed, check traffic, be prepared to steer
Adverse Conditions windward, and countersteer in the direction
you want the vehicle to go.
Driver Inattention Head-On Crashes
Driver inattention is a primary cause of The possibility of serious injury or death is
crashes. Distractions, such as interacting with greater in a head-on crash. This type of crash is
passengers, texting/talking on the phone, or more likely to occur on two-lane highways, in
adjusting the radio, are especially dangerous narrow lanes or on curved roads, and in con-
for young drivers. Limit distractions by pulling struction zones.
off the road to perform activities not related to
the driving task. Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes are one of the most com-
Drowsy Driving mon types of multiple-vehicle crashes. Tail-
Fatigue or drowsy driving severely limits gaters cause many rear-end crashes. Adverse
your reaction time and decision-making abil- conditions such as dense fog or smoke, heavy
ity, and is caused by lack of sleep, the body’s rain, and snow also increase risks to motorists
circadian rhythm, and driving for long periods because some drivers stop their vehicles while
of time. Circadian rhythm is the body’s natural still on the highway.
“downtime”, which for most people is between
1 and 5 p.m. and around your normal bedtime. Side-Impact Crashes
To avoid fatigue, take breaks, keep the vehicle Most vehicles are not well-equipped to with-
cool, and be aware of your “downtime”. stand a side impact. If your vehicle is in danger of
being hit, your best option is to accelerate rather
Glare than apply brakes if the way ahead is clear.
Sources of glare include headlights of on-
coming or following vehicles, misaligned
headlights, improperly loaded vehicles, a dirty
windshield, paper on the dashboard, facing the
sun at dusk or dawn, snow-covered landscapes,
and traditional versus contemporary side mir-
ror settings. To combat glare, wear sunglasses
during the day only, adjust sun visor as needed,
keep windows clean, reduce speed, and look to
the right-hand side of the road when meeting a
vehicle with high beam headlights on.
Fog
During foggy conditions, reduce speed, use
low beams, windshield wipers, and defroster/
defogger and flashers if needed, and look for a
safe area to pull off the road.
Heavy Smoke, Rain, or Snow
Reduce speed, turn on low-beam headlights,
emergency flashers, and windshield wipers;
make gentle steering, accelerating, or braking
actions; be alert for stopped vehicles on the
highway, and be prepared for wind gusts or
strong steady crosswinds; turn on the radio to
monitor weather and road conditions, and if
possible, leave the highway.
Low Water Crossing
Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are
vehicle related. In severe rainstorms watch
for flooding at bridges and low areas. Driv-
ing too fast through low water will cause the
vehicle to hydroplane and lose contact with
the road surface.

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