This document provides information on various driving safety topics such as headlight alignment, overdriving headlights, dealing with glare from other vehicles' headlights, fog conditions, winter weather conditions, hydroplaning, traction loss, and occupant protection. It discusses proper techniques for headlight alignment, determining safe speeds based on lighting conditions, adjusting mirrors to reduce glare, driving in fog and snow, determining water depth at low water crossings, using brakes to dry them, and minimizing glare. It also covers tips for dusty areas, underinflated tires, snow and ice conditions, dealing with wind, using safety restraints properly, airbag safety, and new automotive technologies that improve safety.

1. Mod 8Mod 8
Adverse Conditions
Extreme Weather Conditions
Protecting Occupants
Roadway & Vehicle Technology
Traction Loss Concerns

2. Headlight Alignment and SpeedHeadlight Alignment and Speed
Properly alignedProperly aligned LOW BEAMLOW BEAM headlightsheadlights
lighted area above
road
300 to 500 feet
illuminated
roadway
100 to 150 feet
The Code of Virginia requiresThe Code of Virginia requires that you use your headlights from sunset to
sunrise and during inclement weather, such as rain, fog, snow, or when you
use your windshield wipers. At twilight, when the sun light begins to fade,
turn your headlights ON. This will make your vehicle more visible to others.
beam hits roadway 100 to 150 feet ahead
illuminates area above road 300 to 500 feet ahead
load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect light beam distance
a maximum safe speed of 40 to 45 mph is based on your ability to
stop within the lighted area

3. Headlight Alignment and SpeedHeadlight Alignment and Speed
OverdrivingOverdriving your headlightsyour headlights
Your vehicle’s stopping distance is greater than the distance lighted
by your headlights.
 To determine if you are overdriving your headlights, select an object
the moment the headlights pick it up, and count off six seconds.
 The posted speed limits are calculated for daylight
driving and are often too fast for nighttime conditions.
 Dirty headlights and improper headlight alignment will
add to this traffic safety problem.
Fixed
Object1000 and 1
1 second
1000 and 6
6 second
1000 and 6
6 second
Speed is Safe
Speed is too FAST
 If the object is still ahead of your vehicle, you are driving at a safe speed.
 If you have passed it, you are driving too fast.

4. Other driver with high beams onOther driver with high beams on::
• Where do we look?
• Down and to the right edge of the roadway
making brief glances forward

5. Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)
BGE LEFT SIDE MIRROR VIEW
BGE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR VIEW
REAR MIRROR
VIEW
Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)
Adjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outwardAdjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outward
(BGE) helps to reflect light away from the driver(BGE) helps to reflect light away from the driver
•Peripheral
Vision Area
Peripheral
Vision Area

6. Alleviate glare in the rear view mirrorAlleviate glare in the rear view mirror
at night?at night?
Flip the day/night lever on the bottom of the
rear view mirror
Tilts mirror 15 degrees

7. Visibility Limitations in FogVisibility Limitations in Fog
Reduce speedReduce speed
Make sure your headlights are onMake sure your headlights are on low beamlow beam
(aimed at the road surface) to reduce the(aimed at the road surface) to reduce the
amount of light/glare reflected back at youamount of light/glare reflected back at you
Turn on your windshield wipersTurn on your windshield wipers
If necessary, turn on the defroster or airIf necessary, turn on the defroster or air
conditioner (thatconditioner (that dehumidifies the airdehumidifies the air))
Driving inDriving in Drifting FogDrifting Fog

8. Visibility Limitations in FogVisibility Limitations in Fog
 Reduce speed, but NEVER stop in aReduce speed, but NEVER stop in a
travel lanetravel lane
 Turn on emergency flashersTurn on emergency flashers
 Look for an exit from the highwayLook for an exit from the highway
stop beyond end of guard rail
back up to outboard of the
guard rail
turn off all lights
wait for the fog to lift
Driving inDriving in Heavy FogHeavy Fog
If impossible to leave highway

9. Strong winds will cause:
• Buffeting
• Can cause total loss
of control

10. What should you do?What should you do?
Clean ALL of the snow off the vehicle!

11. Turn on windshield wipersTurn on windshield wipers
Be alert for vehicles stopped on the roadwayBe alert for vehicles stopped on the roadway
Be prepared for effects of gusting or strong steady crosswindsBe prepared for effects of gusting or strong steady crosswinds
Make all steering, accelerating, and braking actions gently andMake all steering, accelerating, and braking actions gently and
smoothlysmoothly
Precautions in Bad WeatherPrecautions in Bad Weather

12. Precautions in Bad WeatherPrecautions in Bad Weather
In severe snow conditions, look for exit from highway and turn onIn severe snow conditions, look for exit from highway and turn on
the radio for a weather reportthe radio for a weather report
If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the outboard end ofIf impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the outboard end of
guard railguard rail
Use cell phone to check conditionsUse cell phone to check conditions
Smoke, ice, fog, and snow oftenSmoke, ice, fog, and snow often
require use of windshield washerrequire use of windshield washer

13. Low Water CrossingsLow Water Crossings
Slow down, try to learnSlow down, try to learn
depth & cross in thedepth & cross in the
middle (shallowest)middle (shallowest)
Nearly 50% of flashNearly 50% of flash
flood fatalities areflood fatalities are
vehicle relatedvehicle related
Most vehicles will floatMost vehicles will float
in 2 feet of waterin 2 feet of water
Very little water on theVery little water on the
road surface canroad surface can
cause loss of controlcause loss of control

14. HydroplaningHydroplaning
• Water builds between
the tires & the road
• Total loss of traction
• No control
• Will take off like a
plane!

15. How can you determine water depth?How can you determine water depth?
1) Fire hydrants
2) Road signs
3) Fences
4) Cars
5) Buildings

16. How do youHow do you
dry the brakes?dry the brakes?
• Keep slight pressure
on the accelerator &
the brake at the
same time.
• Creates friction or
heat

17. Minimize glareMinimize glare
• Clean windshield
• Wear sunglasses

18. Dusty or sandy areas?Dusty or sandy areas?
• Change oil
• Oil filter
• Air filter

19. Underinflation?Underinflation?
• Risk of a blowout
• Bad handling

20. Tips for snow & iceTips for snow & ice
1. Accel gently
2. Extra room to stop
3. Slow down
4. Big follow distance
5. Stay in tire tracks
6. NO cruise control

21. Wind?Wind?
• Headwind –
accelerate to
maintain speed
• Tailwind – Brake to
maintain speed

22. Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for Adults
Your number one defense to prevent severeYour number one defense to prevent severe
injuries is to wear your safety belt.injuries is to wear your safety belt.
• Adjust the seat, place your lower back firmly against theAdjust the seat, place your lower back firmly against the
seat and sit up straight.seat and sit up straight.
• If your vehicle is equipped with an adjustable center postIf your vehicle is equipped with an adjustable center post
mounting for shoulder belt height, adjust it to the propermounting for shoulder belt height, adjust it to the proper
height setting so the belt does not rub against your neck.height setting so the belt does not rub against your neck.
• The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and acrossThe shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across
the chest and rest against the bodythe chest and rest against the body. If a crash occurs and a
person has not taken the slack out of the shoulder belt, the extra
forward movement of the body will increase the chance of injury.
• The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on theThe lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the
hips, barely touching the thighs.hips, barely touching the thighs. If a crash were to occur, the
force would then be applied to the strong pelvic bones and not
the abdomen, reducing the chance of serious internal injuries.
• Check frequently for snug fit across
the sternum & hips (bones)!

23. Wear Lap BeltWear Lap Belt
low and snug across hips (pelvis) tolow and snug across hips (pelvis) to
avoid unnecessary internal injuriesavoid unnecessary internal injuries
Adjusting Belts for Proper FitAdjusting Belts for Proper Fit
Wear Shoulder BeltWear Shoulder Belt
over collar bone and chestover collar bone and chest
(sternum) to avoid(sternum) to avoid
shouldershoulder dislocation and ribdislocation and rib
cagecage damagedamage
Seat belts should be worn over
the strongest skeletal bones

24. If you are traveling 65 MPHIf you are traveling 65 MPH
 Your body is moving
at 65 MPH
 Car hits tree & stops
immediately, your
body is still moving…
 65 MPH
 What stops it if no
seatbelt? Wheel, tree

25. Safety Restraints for YouthSafety Restraints for Youth
Belt and Seat Restraint UseBelt and Seat Restraint Use
 Safest if seated in back center seat
 Infant seats/rear facing/birth to 20 lbs.
 Use child seats up to 40 lbs.
 Use booster seats up to 60 lbs. & at
least 8 years old.
Infant Car Bed
Rear Facing
Infant Seat
Forward Facing
Child Restraints
Booster Seats

26. Adjustable
Shoulder-Belt Mount
Head Restraint
(middle of head)
Air Bag
Crash
Sensors
Gases Vent
Opening
Occupant ProtectionOccupant Protection
Air bags work with seatbelts, not in place of them!Air bags work with seatbelts, not in place of them!

27. Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for Adults
Air Bag in Steering WheelAir Bag in Steering Wheel
• Raise seat or adjust steering wheel toRaise seat or adjust steering wheel to
direct air bag toward chestdirect air bag toward chest and not atand not at
the facial areathe facial area
• Adjust seat for a minimumAdjust seat for a minimum 10-inch10-inch
clearance between chest and steeringclearance between chest and steering
wheelwheel
• Hand position should be atHand position should be at 8 and 48 and 4
• Avoid 10 and 2 hand position to preventAvoid 10 and 2 hand position to prevent
blow hole burns to hands and armsblow hole burns to hands and arms
10 inches

28. Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for Adults
 No passenger under 12 years ofNo passenger under 12 years of
age should sit in the front seatage should sit in the front seat
 Protect driver or passengers fromProtect driver or passengers from
sustaining severe head and chest injuriessustaining severe head and chest injuries
 The speed of bag inflation is critical toThe speed of bag inflation is critical to
prevent body contact with the steeringprevent body contact with the steering
wheelwheel
Air Bags in Dash or Steering WheelAir Bags in Dash or Steering Wheel
The air bag inflates in the
blink of an eye, at speeds
as high as 200 miles per
hour.

29. Types of Belt-Locking SystemsTypes of Belt-Locking Systems
Normal ConditionsNormal Conditions
Seat Belt Seat Belt
Ratchet Mechanism
Ratchet Mechanism
Pendulum
Pendulum
Bar
Bar
Sudden Car MovementSudden Car Movement
Emergency ConditionsEmergency Conditions

30. Secondary collision?Secondary collision?
• Bodies in a vehicle collide with the interior
of the vehicle
• Wheel, windows, dash, floor board

31. Movement of Belted OccupantMovement of Belted Occupant
Head = 1.9 ft.Head = 1.9 ft.
Chest = 1.3 ft.Chest = 1.3 ft.
Pelvis = 1.2 ft.Pelvis = 1.2 ft.
31 MPH Crash31 MPH Crash

32. ResponsesResponses
Low speeds – most fatal crashes occur at
less than 45 MPH (125 lbs @ 30MPH =
force of 3750)
Thrown clear – must remain in seat
Short tips – most fatal crashes within 25
miles of home. Most crashes within 5!

33.  Rumble strips
Occupant Protection HighwayOccupant Protection Highway
Design Features IncludeDesign Features Include
Highway Safety Design FeaturesHighway Safety Design Features
 Crash attenuators such
as vinyl liquid or sand
filled drums
 New design guard rails with
ends angled away from
roadway and buried

34. SafestSafest
place toplace to
stop ifstop if
youyou
have tohave to
pull offpull off
the roadthe road

35.  Anti-Lock BrakesAnti-Lock Brakes
 Crush ZonesCrush Zones
 Traction Control DevicesTraction Control Devices
 Electronic Stability Program (ESP)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
 Suspension Control DevicesSuspension Control Devices
 Door LatchesDoor Latches
 GlassGlass
 HeadlightsHeadlights
Automotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology

36. Traction –Traction – grip between the tires & the road.grip between the tires & the road.
Allows vehicle to start stops & turnAllows vehicle to start stops & turn
1) Static – veh not moving. Max
traction
2) Rolling – veh moving. Traction
depends on surface
3) Sliding – Veh moving but tires
not rolling. Lost traction
(control)

37. 7 road conditions =7 road conditions =
loss of tractionloss of traction
1. Rain
2. Snow
3. Ice
4. Gravel
5. Uneven
6. Sand
7. Dirt

38. Worst traction first 10-15 minWorst traction first 10-15 min
after rain starts?after rain starts?
• Water, dirt, oil &
rubber combine
• Roads extremely
slick during this
time

39. Causes ofCauses of Traction LossTraction Loss
Brakes unevenly adjusted
Brakes pulling in one direction or the other can cause
a skid--as can wheels out of alignment when brakes
are applied
Tires with unevenly worn tread
- The size of the front and rear tires do not matched
- Tires cannot channel water!
Condition of the VehicleCondition of the Vehicle
Different tire pressure on opposite sides of the
vehicle has a similar effect to uneven brake adjustment
since one tire will drag more than others

40. Weight Moves to the Front of the Car CausingWeight Moves to the Front of the Car Causing
– a noticeable drop of the hood
– a noticeable rise of the rear deck
– forward movement of driver and passengers
Traction Loss ConsiderationsTraction Loss Considerations
WhenWhen BrakesBrakes are Applied Too Hard or Quicklyare Applied Too Hard or Quickly
Direction of Travel
Force or Weight
Movement
RearRear LIFTSLIFTS
Front DROPSFront DROPS

41. Weight Moves to the Rear of the Car CausingWeight Moves to the Rear of the Car Causing
– a noticeable rise of the hood
– a noticeable drop of the rear deck
– rearward movement of driver and passengers
Traction Loss ConsiderationTraction Loss Consideration
WhenWhen AccelerationAcceleration is Applied Too Hard or Quicklyis Applied Too Hard or Quickly
Direction of Travel
Front LIFTSFront LIFTS
Force or Weight
Movement
RearRear DROPSDROPS

42.  Weight Moves to the Opposite Side of the CarWeight Moves to the Opposite Side of the Car
 Weight Movement Causes:Weight Movement Causes:
– a noticeable drop and tilt of the hood
– a noticeable rise and tilt of the rear deck
– driver and passenger movement towards the car’s corner
Traction Loss ConsiderationTraction Loss Consideration
WhenWhen SteeringSteering is Applied Too Hard or Quicklyis Applied Too Hard or Quickly
Force or Weight
MovementFront DROPSFront DROPS
RearRear LIFTSLIFTS
Direction of TravelDirection of Travel

43. Traction Loss to Front TiresTraction Loss to Front Tires
If A Vehicle Keeps Moving Straight Ahead in Spite of Steering
Efforts To the Contrary, It Means Front Traction Has Been Lost
The Technical Term is Called “Understeer”
Actual PathActual Path
of Travelof Travel
Intended PathIntended Path
of Travelof Travel
front tiresfront tires
SLIDESLIDE
rear tiresrear tires
PUSHPUSH
The Driver Will First Visually Identify
Unusual Forward Sliding Movement
Caused by the Vehicle’s Weight
Pushing the Front Wheels Straight
Ahead Regardless of Any Steering
Input

44. To Correct Understeer Traction LossTo Correct Understeer Traction Loss
Targeted Path of TravelTargeted Path of Travel
Lift Eyes toLift Eyes to TargetedTargeted Path of TravelPath of Travel
Intended Path of TravelIntended Path of Travel
Actual PathActual Path
of Travelof Travel
• Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel
• Activate ABS, if Vehicle is EquippedActivate ABS, if Vehicle is Equipped
– Ease off Conventional Brake System
– Reestablish Rolling Traction
• Ease off Steering InputsEase off Steering Inputs
– Abrupt Steering Can Create Traction Loss
– Allows Tire Tread to Point Toward Path of Travel
• Jab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not AvailableJab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not Available
(ABS performs this function automatically)(ABS performs this function automatically)

45. Traction Loss to Rear TiresTraction Loss to Rear Tires
• Identified by driver when front of vehicle moves to the left orIdentified by driver when front of vehicle moves to the left or
right of travel path without steering input in that directionright of travel path without steering input in that direction
• Technical term is “Technical term is “OversteerOversteer””
Intended Path of TravelIntended Path of Travel Actual PathActual Path
of Travelof Travel
• Vehicle’s Weight Tends to Push RearVehicle’s Weight Tends to Push Rear
Wheels Left or Right Without Steering InputWheels Left or Right Without Steering Input
• Vehicle Begins To YawVehicle Begins To Yaw
front tiresfront tires
ROLLROLL
rear tiresrear tires
SLIDESLIDE

46. • Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel
Oversteer Traction Loss CorrectionOversteer Traction Loss Correction
On Targeted Path
On Targeted Path
Off TargetedOff Targeted
PathPath
• Steer Toward Targeted Path of TravelSteer Toward Targeted Path of Travel
• Adjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path ofAdjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path of
TravelTravel
• Apply Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) to Move theApply Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) to Move the
Weight to the Rear. (The Traction Control System will adjust theWeight to the Rear. (The Traction Control System will adjust the
speed and brakes automatically when activated)speed and brakes automatically when activated)
• Activate Traction ControlActivate Traction Control
System, if Equipped:System, if Equipped:
– Ease off brake or
accelerator
– Reestablish rolling
traction
IntendedIntended
Path ofPath of
TravelTravel
Rear Tire Movement
Rear Tire Movement

47. TractionTraction
• ABS helps with
understeer traction
loss
• Traction control
helps with
oversteer traction
loss

48. Off-Road RecoveryOff-Road Recovery
• Do not panic and steer too abruptlyDo not panic and steer too abruptly
• Ease off acceleratorEase off accelerator
• DO NOT BRAKEDO NOT BRAKE
• Get both wheels off the pavement & STOP!Get both wheels off the pavement & STOP!
• Steer the vehicle parallel to the roadwaySteer the vehicle parallel to the roadway
• If clear, ease back on to the roadway one wheel atIf clear, ease back on to the roadway one wheel at
a timea time
• Limit steering inputs to less than 1/8 of a turn ofLimit steering inputs to less than 1/8 of a turn of
the wheelthe wheel
• Use even less input when the edge of road is highUse even less input when the edge of road is high
• Target the center of the adjacent lane to avoid aTarget the center of the adjacent lane to avoid a
“Slingshot” maneuver into oncoming traffic“Slingshot” maneuver into oncoming traffic