1. Adverse Conditions • Alabama Basic Speed Law – you must never drive a vehicle at a speed that is faster than is reasonable under existing conditions. • A safe speed is determined by the type and condition of the road as well traffic, weather, and light. • Drivers must go more slowly than the minimum post speed if poor road or traffic conditions make that speed unsafe.

2. Adverse Conditions – Hazards Of Higher Speed • The less time the driver has to spot dangerous situations and take action. • The greater the time and distance it takes to stop a vehicle. • The greater the chance the will skid or roll over on a turn. • The greater the force of impact will be in a collision. • The greater the personal injuries and property damage will be in a collision.

3. Vehicle Control During Adverse Conditions • Reduced Traction • Changing Speeds Too Quickly • Changing Direction Too Quickly

4. Reduced Visibility • Bright Sun Light • Dusk and Dawn • Fog or Smog • Night Driving • Overdriving Your Headlights • Rain and Snow • Sand and Dust

5. Use of High Beams • State Law requires you to dim your headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. • State Law requires you to dim your headlight within 200 feet when following another vehicle.

6. Wind • A strong enough gust can push a vehicle out of its intended path of travel. • Minimizing Risks In Wind Conditions: • Reduce speed • Grip steering wheel firmly • Increase space on all sides of the vehicle • Vehicles Most Affected By Wind: • Vans • Recreational vehicles • Vehicle pulling trailers

7. Managing Skids • Understanding natural laws that affect your vehicle can help you regain control when in a skid. • When you skid, you lose control of the direction and speed of your vehicle’s movement because of reduced traction. • If you skid you are not helpless. • Turn your wheels in the direction of the skid to straighten vehicle up.

8. Causes Of Skids • Braking Skid: • The brakes are applied so hard that one or more wheels lock • Power Skid: • The gas pedal is pressed suddenly and too hard • Cornering Skid: • Tires lose traction in a turn • Blowout Skid: • A tire suddenly loses air pressure

9. Adverse Conditions: Minimizing Risks • Prepare in advance • Allow an extra margin of safety • Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead in wet conditions • Give other drivers plenty of advanced notice • Be alert • Keep low beam headlights on • Ease your way into turns and curves • Use emergency flashers when needed

10. Rail Road Crossings • Slow down and prepare to stop • Look in both directions • Look for warning lights or signals, or lowered crossing gates • Stop no closer than 15 ft from tracks if train is approaching • Never cross tracks if lights are flashing • Never rely solely on mechanical warning equipment, it could be broken.

11. Rail Road Crossing