CHAPTER ELEVEN

DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS

Hazardous Road Conditions

In Nevada, the weather can be quite unpredictable. When driving in poor weather conditions, it is best to stay on paved roadways and to follow in the path of the car ahead. There should also be extra vehicle spacing between your vehicle and the one you are following. You are also advised to use your headlights. Most importantly, slow down your vehicle. Road conditions play a major role in driving. Knowledge of road conditions and weather is valuable in determining the safest route in which to travel. The following are some weather phenomena that may affect road conditions:

A. Rain / Hydroplaning - Rain often creates a thin film of water causing separation between the vehicle's tires and the road. At high speeds, water rushes between the tire and the road's surface, preventing traction. A similar effect with air is what allows an airplane to gain lift upon takeoff. The hydroplane induces skidding, as steering is ineffective without a connection between the vehicle and the roadway. Slower driving can help prevent this effect, as will a knowledge of what weather conditions exist prior to driving. NOTE: The dry climate in Nevada creates an ideal situation for flash flooding to occur, particularly during the summer. If you come upon a flooded roadway, do not attempt to drive through it. However, if you find yourself driving through deep water, you should slow down and shift to a lower gear.

B. Snow / Ice - Driving in snow or on ice requires substantially longer stopping distances. Additionally, there is a need to drive slower, take extra precautions on turns, and leave more room between other vehicles and curbs. You also need greater anticipation and awareness of other vehicles on the road. Removal of any snow buildup on the vehicle can help minimize the dangers of driving in snow. When driving in the snow, you should use headlights, windshield wipers and driving lamps for maximum visibility. Also use all-weather radial tires, snow tires, or chains when necessary.

C. Black Ice - In cold weather, where the air lacks the precipitation necessary to create snow, falling frozen rain often leads to a hazard called "Black Ice." This type of ice usually can be found on the road, but it is not visible to the naked eye. Vehicles traveling at normal highway speeds can suddenly lose control and skid. A reduction in driving speed will help reduce the chances of skidding and related collisions due to black ice. You should always be alert for areas where ice collects.

D. Fog - In fog, low beams should be utilized, and speed should be dramatically reduced. Fog lights can be turned on, but a decision should be made on whether driving should be attempted at all. In heavy fog, visibility is often less than a car length, making driving in any capacity inadvisable. When driving in fog, it is important to not drive faster than your line of sight will permit. When there is severe fog, the best option is not to drive at all.

E. High Winds - High winds can cause a lack of control of the vehicle, with gusts often thrashing the vehicle off the road. Slower speeds can ease the danger of driving in high winds. High profile vehicles, such as campers, trucks, or recreational vehicles (RVs), are often more susceptible to overturning when high winds are prevalent.

F. Dust - Dust storms often make it virtually impossible to drive. General lack of visibility in a dust storm can only be resolved through slower driving. Often, driving in a dust storm is similar to driving in severe fog and is unwise altogether. Pulling over to the side of the road and waiting for the storm to pass is often the best option.

G. Curves - Driving on curvy roads requires slowing of the vehicle prior to approaching the curve. Braking in the curve, in addition to causing strain to the tires, may cause skidding, especially if the road is slippery. In addition, you need a heightened awareness of road and traffic conditions as you will have difficulty seeing the road ahead.

Nighttime Driving - For driving at night, you should:

Make sure your windows are clean.
Turn your headlights on in bad weather or when you cannot see 1000 feet in front of you.
Turn your headlights on from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Make sure your headlights are clean and working well. Have them checked from time to time for correct aim.
Use your high beams when there are no oncoming vehicles.
Do not overdrive your headlights. Your headlights only let you see about 350 feet ahead. Be sure you are driving slow enough to stop or turn if you need to.
Use your low beams when you come within 500 feet (about one block) of an oncoming vehicle. Also use your low beams when following another vehicle within 300 feet.
Slow down when nearing a curve if you are driving the maximum posted speed limit.
Use the edge line as a guide. If there is no edge line, use the center line to guide you.
Stay awake and alert. Do not drive if you feel tired.
Watch carefully for highway signs - they are harder to see at night.
Watch carefully for people and vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

WINTER SURVIVAL KIT

Does the winter season bring snow to your area? Are you prepared to be stuck in your car for a period of time? Before leaving home, pack a snow storm survival kit and store it in your car at all times. The kit should contain:

Extra warm clothing
Warm winter gloves
Blankets
A flashlight
Extra batteries for the flashlight
Highway flares
Booster cables
A length of rope
Tow cable or chain
Ice and snow scrapers
A pocket knife
Matches (waterproof)
Non -perishable food
Drinking water (lots)
A camping or backpacking stove can also be handy
Add a brightly colored cloth so that you can mark your location if you have to leave your car.

Leave your car only if it is safe to do so. You will be much safer in your car than out in the elements or exposed to other vehicles.

Emergencies

Driving on the roads of Nevada requires attentiveness, skill, a vehicle that is responsive, a little luck, and a subconscious mind that can quickly react. When an emergency occurs on the road, the decision to act must be a split-second one, and you must know instinctively what to do. There is a requirement that every vehicle on the road in Nevada be in proper working order with functional equipment. The following will prepare you for an emergency driving situation:

A. Brake Failure - Many factors can cause brake failure. Two of the most common are wet brakes and brake overheating. Wet brakes typically result from driving through puddles or standing water, while brake overheating can be caused by prolonged use or hard driving. In passenger vehicles, there are two main braking systems: a hydraulic four wheel brake system and a mechanically operated rear wheel parking brake. All brakes and brake components should be maintained in good condition at all times. Properly maintained brakes are not only required by law, but are essential for the safe operation of the motor vehicle. It is advisable to check out the condition of a vehicle's brakes periodically to ensure that they function properly. An emergency situation would involve a total failure of the brakes along with the vehicle gaining momentum and speed while heading downhill. If total brake failure occurs, there are several corrective actions you can initiate. Procedures to follow include:

1. Pumping Brakes - Oftentimes a brake line is clogged and brake fluid is not flowing properly. Pumping would attempt to distribute brake fluid adequately. Try this solution first.

NOTE: Do not pump Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). To initiate ABS brakes, you must fully compress the brake pedal to near maximum capacity. This will activate the computer to pulsate the brake pads automatically and will continue while pressure is held down.

2. Downshift - The goal with downshifting is to create more friction in the transmission. Shifting to a lower gear will create more tension in the transmission and slow down the vehicle. Downshifting would also be effective in an automatic transmission vehicle.

3. Apply Parking Brake - Use of the parking brake should be a gradual application, with no dramatic movements. Your goal is to slow down the vehicle by any means and not lock up your wheels, as it may only cause more problems. Dramatic tugging at the brake may cause loss of vehicle control and overturning. (The parking brake in many vehicles is rarely used. Unfortunately, many drivers mistakenly believe that a vehicle parked while still in gear is unlikely to roll. The parking brake, however, is in a motor vehicle for a reason. Car manufacturers can save countless thousands of dollars during vehicle production if they were to omit parking brakes. However, the value of the parking brake is immeasurable. A properly functioning parking brake should be used at all times in conjunction with a vehicle left in gear or in the parked position. The parking brake should be sufficient enough to hold the vehicle on any grade and capable of locking the wheels to limit any vehicle movement.)

4. Attempt to Warn Others - When your vehicle's brakes are not functioning, honk the horn or make other efforts to notify other drivers out of fairness to them. An out-of-control vehicle is a hazard to all on the road.

5. Sideswipe Objects (attempting to reduce speed) - Sideswiping involves slowing the vehicle by deflecting it off other objects on the road. No object should ever be hit head-on, nor should objects like curbs be hit, because they could cause the car to overturn. Guard rails and parked cars would be good objects to sideswipe, as they may help to gradually slow down the vehicle.

6. Shift into Reverse - This action will grind all the gears of the transmission together, and will also slow the vehicle. Yes, the transmission will be destroyed, but your life may be saved.

NOTE: Never turn off the vehicle in an attempt to stop it.
This action will cause other car functions, such as steering, to also fail.

B. Tire Blowout - A simple flat is often manageable when driving. A blowout, however, includes the shredding of a tire to the point where one is left driving on a rim with no control of the vehicle. The most common cause of tire blowouts is under-inflation, which can often be prevented by checking tire pressure regularly. If a tire blows out and you need to swerve into an object, do so into something that will "give," reducing the chance of injury. Sound the horn and flash the lights to alert other drivers that there is a problem. When a blowout occurs, most people react by slamming down on the brakes. This instant human reaction, however, will only cause more damage. Instead, you should hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle moving straight ahead. The following actions should help to prevent a collision in the case of these blowouts:

1. Left Front Tire - If the left front tire blows out, the car will pull to the left, and the steering will be quite heavy. Do not fight the pull, but instead grab hold of the steering wheel with both hands, gain control of the vehicle, and gradually slow down the vehicle. No dramatic or excessive braking should be attempted.

2. Right Front Tire - If the right front tire blows out, the car will pull to the right, and the steering will be quite heavy. Do not fight the pull, but instead grab hold of the steering wheel with both hands, gain control of the vehicle, and gradually slow down the vehicle. No dramatic or excessive braking should be attempted. At speeds below 55 mph, a blowout should be an easily controlled emergency.

3. Rear Tires - A blowout in any of the rear tires will cause the car to fishtail and feel unstable in the rear. Control of the steering wheel is vital, as is awareness of any other vehicles around. Slowing the car gradually will help lessen the chance of a collision.

C. Skids - An out-of-control skid is caused when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road. Often, a thin layer of water gets between the tires and the road, and the vehicle begins to hydroplane. The old adage, "steer or turn into the skid," applies only if a driver knows the intended meaning. In a skid, the back wheels of the vehicle are the ones actually skidding, with the front tires following. If you start to skid, you must turn the steering wheel in the direction the back wheels are skidding, or in short, steer the vehicle in the intended direction. Some call it "counter" steering, while others simply call it "correcting" the skid. Regardless of what you call it, the goal is to have the wheels of the vehicle again grasp the road and find the pavement grooves. Drivers commonly turn the steering wheel into the direction the vehicle is perceived to be skidding, which is the direction the front of the vehicle is headed. This will only add to the problem and send the car spiraling out of control. In a car with front wheel drive, the same actions should be taken, but with some minor acceleration applied. Again, the attempt is to reacquaint the car's wheels with the pavement.

Special note on skids...

Avoid turning or swerving suddenly.
Don't apply the brakes too quickly.
Pump the brakes and don't over-steer.
Keep the vehicle clutch engaged and gradually remove your foot from the accelerator.
Pay special attention to driving on snow or ice.
Avoid driving on the shoulder of the road.
When traction is poor to begin with, drive in a higher gear and accelerate gradually.

D. Oncoming Car / Wrong Side of the Road - The goal in the event another car is coming towards you from the wrong direction is to take evasive action as quickly as possible. Waiting until the last second to initiate a maneuver rarely gives you enough time to avoid a collision. An early evasive move might cause, at worst, a sideswipe or a rear-end collision, but that will help you avoid the more dangerous head-on collision. In order to minimize the chance of a crash, you should slow down as quickly as possible, pull to the extreme right (or drive off the road completely), flash the headlights, and sound the horn.

E. Steering Wheel Locks - The key ignition should never be moved or adjusted while the vehicle is in motion, so this problem should never occur. However, if the steering wheel were to lock, slow the vehicle as quickly as possible by whatever means to avoid losing control.

F. Car Stalls / Breakdowns - The actions you should take when your car stalls will vary according to time and location, among other factors. The goal is to show other drivers that your vehicle is disabled and that road service or a tow is required. These rules usually apply:

1. Try to get your car off the road. Removing your car from the road will reduce the possibility of another vehicle hitting you. However, if left on the road for any reason, the vehicle must have its hazard lights on. A dark vehicle on the road is a collision waiting to happen. NOTE: The purpose of emergency flashers is to alert other drivers that an emergency situation or collision is ahead. If the emergency flashers do not work, put on the vehicle's turn signals instead.

2. Remain in the car buckled up and lock the doors. Walking aimlessly on the side of the road looking for assistance is unwise and unsafe. Sitting in the locked vehicle and wearing your seat belt while waiting for law enforcement is the most prudent move. Law enforcement is always alert to disabled vehicles. NOTE: When the vehicle is disabled on a freeway, always attempt to pull to the shoulder and try to warn approaching traffic when necessary (use signals, hazard lights or flares).

G. Accelerator Sticks - A stuck accelerator is usually not a major problem. This usually can be solved by stepping repeatedly on the gas pedal. If the car continues to increase in speed, however, either step on the clutch to disengage the gears or shift the vehicle into the neutral position. As a last resort, you can turn the vehicle off completely, but this action may result in a loss of the power steering.

H. Fan Belt Sticks or Breaks - The vehicle will most probably overheat if you have a problem with the fan belt. Turn on the vehicle’s heat to the highest setting. This will draw much of the heat from the engine block, helping to cool down the vehicle. Do not drive for more than a few minutes in this condition.

I. Steering Problems - Steering problems should not be solved on the road while driving. Slow down immediately. If power steering fails, you will have to work extremely hard to steer the vehicle, but full control will not be lost. Use your flashers and bright lights to warn others that there is a problem.

J. Headlight Failure - If your headlights fail, you must take immediate action. It is dangerous to drive in darkness without the lights. Following are some things you can do in case your headlights fail.

Try switching the headlights on and off a few times.
Try to adjust the dimmer switch.
Try turning on the parking lights, emergency lights, or turn signals.

K. Hood Latch Failure - If the hood latch fails and the hood opens while you are driving, the following actions can be taken:

Slow your vehicle immediately.
Put your head out of the window and look around the hood.
Use the center marking lines or lanes as a guide.
Pull off the road as soon as possible, as you pose a risk to yourself and other drivers.
Turn on your emergency lights.

L. Stuck tires - When tires get stuck in the snow or a similar substance like mud, shift the car into low gear and attempt to pull forward as much as possible with the wheels angled straight ahead. When wheels are turned to the side, they provide a greater resistance to forward and reverse motions. Do the same maneuver in reverse, and then forward again, without spinning the tires. This forward and backward motion should be repeated until the car moves free. A wood object such as a branch or board may be used under the tires if they are submerged very deeply. Using snow chains can help keep your tires from getting stuck.

M. Soft Shoulders - The soft shoulder on highways is to be used in emergency situations only. Driving on the soft shoulder is highly dangerous because it can lead to loss of vehicle control, and it is also illegal. Some shoulders are paved, which allows for optimal vehicle traction, but soft shoulders are usually just packed dirt that is unstable, and they should only be utilized in an emergency situation.

N. Bad Pavement - It is vital as a defensive driver to be aware of all road conditions that may affect your safe use of the highway. Bad pavement is a major contributing factor to many traffic collisions. Pot holes or bumps may cause the vehicle to lose traction with the road surface, while other factors make it difficult to simply steer the vehicle altogether.

Before you begin a trip, learn about the road conditions of areas where you intend to travel. You can usually get updated information from local law enforcement or city agencies. Preparation for bad pavement or the choice to take an alternative route can help reduce the potential for collisions. When speeds are increased during freeway driving, be prepared to steer around blocked roadways or obstructions to the roadway. Try and steer around any stalled cars as well, and warn other vehicles behind by utilizing brake and hazard lights.

O. Drop-Offs - Drop-offs are dangerous shoulders of the road which drop off or are beveled into an abrupt drop from the normal roadway. Falling rain may also create a flowing gutter of water often a foot or more deep, creating an even more unstable driving situation.

P. Stuck in Deep Water - An overloaded vehicle has an increased chance of stalling in water. If you run into deep water and get stuck, but do not sink, try to escape immediately through a window. If you do sink, wait until the pressure equalizes before you try and open a window or door. First get into the back seat where air pockets usually form and kick out the back window. The back window is designed to come off fairly easily.

Q. Stalling on Railroad Tracks

If a train is approaching:

1. Unfasten your seat belt and get out of your vehicle and off the tracks.
2. Run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks and towards the oncoming train (if you run in the direction the train is going, you may be hit by debris when the train collides with your vehicle).

If no train is approaching:

R. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Vehicle motors give off carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

Do not leave the motor running in a garage.
Do not leave the motor running with the windows closed when you park your vehicle.
Do not use the heater or air conditioner in a parked vehicle with the windows closed.
Do not leave the vents open when following closely behind another vehicle.
Do not drive with a deflective muffler or exhaust system.