Driving in the rain Flashcards
What effect does light rain have on road surfaces, and what precautions should drivers take?
Light rain makes roads slippery, turning dirty surfaces into ‘skid pans.’ Drivers should slow down, keep a greater distance from vehicles in front, and be aware of increased braking distances.
How does heavy rain affect visibility for drivers?
Heavy rain can blind drivers due to spray from vehicles, which contains oil and grease, creating smears on the windscreen. Washer fluid can help dissolve these smears.
How does heavy rain affect visibility for drivers?
Aquaplaning (or hydroplaning) is when a vehicle skids along the water surface, making it impossible to steer or brake. It can occur due to high speed, worn tires, and excessive water on the road.
What should a driver do if they experience aquaplaning?
The driver should ease off the accelerator, avoid braking or changing direction, as they have no control over steering or braking during aquaplaning.
What are some precautions drivers should take before driving in the rain?
Drivers should check tire tread depth, ensure wipers and washer fluid are functioning, and use fog lights in heavy rain, but avoid using hazard lights as an excuse to speed.
What are common causes of skids while driving ?
Skids can be caused by driver actions (like sudden clutch engagement), hard braking, rapid acceleration, sharp steering, worn tires, and slippery road surfaces.
What steps should a driver take if their vehicle starts to skid?
The driver should release the brake pedal and accelerator, and turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid, avoiding oversteering.
How does the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) assist drivers during braking?
ABS prevents wheels from locking during braking, allowing drivers to maintain steering control while braking firmly, eliminating the need to pump the brake pedal.
What should a driver do when approaching a flooded road ?
The driver should stop and assess the water depth. If it’s shallow enough to cross, they should drive slowly in first gear and test the brakes after crossing. If too deep, they should turn back.
After driving through a flood, what should a driver do to ensure their brakes are functioning properly?
The driver should test the brakes by pressing the brake pedal repeatedly while driving slowly to dry them out, and should not drive at normal speed until they are sure the brakes are working normally.
