T-8.0 Driving Through A New Century Texas Education Agency WINTER DRIVING TRACTION CONTROL.

T-8.1

Driving ThroughA New Century

Texas Education Agency

WINTER DRIVINGWINTER DRIVING

TRACTION CONTROLTRACTION CONTROL

T-8.2



TAKING A WINTER TAKING A WINTER DRIVEDRIVE

T-8.3



T-8.4



PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHERPREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

• Wipers Wipers - Good working order- Good working order• Windshield Washer FluidWindshield Washer Fluid - Fill Up - Fill Up• Anti-freeze - Anti-freeze - 50% water 50% Coolant50% water 50% Coolant• Battery & Belts - Battery & Belts - Check conditionCheck condition• Oil - Oil - Replace your oil with Winter grade oilReplace your oil with Winter grade oil• Tires - Tires - Check treads, pressure and owners manual Check treads, pressure and owners manual

recommendationsrecommendations• Ice Scraper - Ice Scraper - A necessityA necessity

T-8.5



• SNOW BRUSH W/ SCRAPERSNOW BRUSH W/ SCRAPER• FLASHLIGHT W/ BATTERIESFLASHLIGHT W/ BATTERIES• BLANKETBLANKET• MITTENS, SOCKS & HATMITTENS, SOCKS & HAT• SMALL SHOVELSMALL SHOVEL• SACK OF SAND OR KITTY LITTERSACK OF SAND OR KITTY LITTER• JUMPER CABLESJUMPER CABLES• HAZARD SIGN, FLARES OR FLAGHAZARD SIGN, FLARES OR FLAG• WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUIDWINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

BEFORE TRIPS: PACK WINTER CAR BEFORE TRIPS: PACK WINTER CAR KITKIT

T-8.6



WARM-UP AND CLEAN-OFFWARM-UP AND CLEAN-OFF

1. IDLE ENGINE - DO NOT RACE ENGINE!1. IDLE ENGINE - DO NOT RACE ENGINE!

2. CLEAN OFF VEHICLE COMPLETELY!2. CLEAN OFF VEHICLE COMPLETELY!- CLEAN ALL LIGHTS- CLEAN ALL LIGHTS

- SCRAPE ALL WINDOWS AND MIRRORS - SCRAPE ALL WINDOWS AND MIRRORS

- SWEEP ALL THE SNOW OFF THE VEHICLE- SWEEP ALL THE SNOW OFF THE VEHICLE

Good all around visibility is important!!!!! Good all around visibility is important!!!!!

remember, remember, BEING IN A HURRY WILL RESULT BEING IN A HURRY WILL RESULT IN ACCIDENTS DOWN THE ROAD!IN ACCIDENTS DOWN THE ROAD!

T-8.7



RISK MANAGEMENT DRIVING RISK MANAGEMENT DRIVING DECISIONSDECISIONS

• Is my car equipped for the weather?Is my car equipped for the weather?• Can I make this trip later?Can I make this trip later?• What would be the safest route?What would be the safest route?• Am I prepared for emergencies?Am I prepared for emergencies?

T-8.8



DRIVING TECHNIQUESDRIVING TECHNIQUES

• Drive at reduced speeds so you can stop Drive at reduced speeds so you can stop quicker.quicker.

• Give turn signals sooner than usual. This gives Give turn signals sooner than usual. This gives other drivers more time to react.other drivers more time to react.

• Pump your brakes to warn of your intention to Pump your brakes to warn of your intention to stop.stop.

• Maintain at least triple the normal distance from Maintain at least triple the normal distance from the vehicle ahead. (6 seconds)the vehicle ahead. (6 seconds)

T-8.9



BLACK ICE

DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CAN’T SEE IT!CAN’T SEE IT!

COMMON AREAS YOU FIND IT:

1. Bridges/Overpasses/Underpasses

2. Shaded areas.

T-8.10



BLACK ICEBLACK ICEREACTIONREACTION

• DO NOT PANIC!DO NOT PANIC!

• MAKE NO SUDDEN CHANGES IN MAKE NO SUDDEN CHANGES IN SPEED OR DIRECTIONSPEED OR DIRECTION

• EASE OFF ACCELERATOREASE OFF ACCELERATOR

• STEER IN DIRECTION THAT THE STEER IN DIRECTION THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS SKIDDINGREAR OF THE VEHICLE IS SKIDDING

T-8.11



FRESH SNOW CAN FRESH SNOW CAN CONCEAL ICY ROADSCONCEAL ICY ROADS

T-8.12



_ _ _ __ _ _ _ SKIDSSKIDS

Result from unexpected forces:Result from unexpected forces:1. Black Ice1. Black Ice2. Driving to fast for conditions2. Driving to fast for conditions3. Sudden steering corrections or 3. Sudden steering corrections or

braking braking

4. Sudden accelerations4. Sudden accelerations

T-8.13



_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ SKIDSSKIDS ((CONTINUED)CONTINUED)

If your vehicle begins to skid, take the following actions:

1. 1. Front end skidsFront end skids - Release the brake and let the front wheels roll freely to regain traction and steering control.

2. 2. Rear end skidsRear end skids - Take foot off of accelerator and turn wheels in the direction that the rear of the vehicle is skidding, and pump brakes lightly.

T-8.14



FOG

WHEN DRIVING IN FOG, WHEN DRIVING IN FOG, USE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS,USE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS,

oror

STOP, GET OFF THE ROADWAY, AND WAIT!!STOP, GET OFF THE ROADWAY, AND WAIT!!

FOGFOGFOGFOG

T-8.15



!!! DANGER !!!!!! DANGER !!!

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONINGCARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Each year 1,500 people are killed in the U.S. by carbonEach year 1,500 people are killed in the U.S. by carbonmonoxide, approximately 900 of whom die in their monoxide, approximately 900 of whom die in their homes. More than 10,000 are exposed to levels so homes. More than 10,000 are exposed to levels so

dangerous that medical attention is required.dangerous that medical attention is required.

T-8.16



CARBON MONOXIDECARBON MONOXIDE

Attributes/EffectsAttributes/Effects

1.1. Odorless & ColorlessOdorless & Colorless

2.2. Nausea, Headache, DizzinessNausea, Headache, Dizziness

3.3. Causes DrowsinessCauses Drowsiness

4.4. CAN BE FATALCAN BE FATAL

T-8.17



CARBON MONOXIDECARBON MONOXIDE

PreventionPrevention1. Never run engine in an enclosed area1. Never run engine in an enclosed area

2. Check exhaust (muffler) for leaks2. Check exhaust (muffler) for leaks

T-8.18



For Safe Winter DrivingFor Safe Winter Driving

T-8.19



BEFORE TRIPS: CHECKBEFORE TRIPS: CHECK

• BATTERYBATTERY• ANTIFREEZEANTIFREEZE• WIPERS & FLUIDWIPERS & FLUID• IGNITION SYSTEMIGNITION SYSTEM• THERMOSTATTHERMOSTAT• LIGHTSLIGHTS

• HAZARD LIGHTSHAZARD LIGHTS• EXHAUST SYSTEMEXHAUST SYSTEM• HEATERHEATER• BRAKESBRAKES• DEFROSTERDEFROSTER• OIL LEVELOIL LEVEL

T-8.20



To make an emergency stop on a slippery road…

Regular Brakes Regular Brakes Pump the Brake Pedal.Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)Press down and hold.The ABS will pump for you.

T-8.21



Rear Wheel Drive PushesRear Wheel Drive Pushesandand

Front Wheel Drive PullsFront Wheel Drive PullsThe systems may feel a little different, but always steer in the direction of the skid, and make gentle corrections to regain control.

T-8.22



KEY DRIVING TIPSKEY DRIVING TIPS

• ALLOW MORE TIME TO TRAVELALLOW MORE TIME TO TRAVEL

• MAINTAIN MORE SPACEMAINTAIN MORE SPACE

• DRIVE WITH YOUR LIGHTS ONDRIVE WITH YOUR LIGHTS ON

• WEAR SAFETY BELTSWEAR SAFETY BELTS

• LOOK WELL AHEADLOOK WELL AHEAD

• ANTICIPATE PROBLEMSANTICIPATE PROBLEMS

T-8.23



T-8.24



STUCK IN SNOWSTUCK IN SNOW

• CLEAR A PATHCLEAR A PATH

• STRAIGHTEN FRONT WHEELSSTRAIGHTEN FRONT WHEELS

• USE ABRASIVE MATERIALS UNDER WHEELSUSE ABRASIVE MATERIALS UNDER WHEELS

• GENTLE PRESSURE ON ACCELERATORGENTLE PRESSURE ON ACCELERATOR

• DON’T SPIN WHEELSDON’T SPIN WHEELS

• ““ROCKING THE VEHICLE” - CHECK OWNER’S ROCKING THE VEHICLE” - CHECK OWNER’S MANUALMANUAL

• LAST RESORT …LAST RESORT …

T-8.25



SUMMARYSUMMARY• REMEMBER THE THREE P’sREMEMBER THE THREE P’s

– PREPARE FOR THE TRIPPREPARE FOR THE TRIP– PROTECT YOURSELFPROTECT YOURSELF– PREVENT CRASHES ON THE ROADPREVENT CRASHES ON THE ROAD

• SLOW DOWN!SLOW DOWN!• GIVE DISTANCEGIVE DISTANCE• CLEAN OFF WINDOWS - CLEAN OFF WINDOWS - SEESEE• CLEAN OFF CLEAN OFF ALLALL LIGHTS AND TURN LIGHTS AND TURN

LIGHTS ON - LIGHTS ON - BE SEENBE SEEN

T-8.26



Changing Visibility at NightChanging Visibility at Night

• Limitations placed on gathering informationLimitations placed on gathering information

• Limitations placed on processing information Limitations placed on processing information

• Night driving factors Night driving factors

– reduced illumination reduced illumination

– ability of the eyes to adjust to glareability of the eyes to adjust to glare

T-8.27



Changing Visibility at NightChanging Visibility at Night

• Distance you can see ahead is limitedDistance you can see ahead is limited

• Headlights provide limited illumination of Headlights provide limited illumination of

off-road areasoff-road areas

• Loss of contrast and impaired distance Loss of contrast and impaired distance

judgmentjudgment

• Glare from lights of oncoming and following Glare from lights of oncoming and following

vehicles and glare recovery timevehicles and glare recovery time

T-8.28



Properly aligned low beamsProperly aligned low beams

– Beam hits roadway 100 to 150 feet aheadBeam hits roadway 100 to 150 feet ahead

– Illuminates area 300 to 500 feet aheadIlluminates area 300 to 500 feet ahead

– Load, load distribution, and vehicle height Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect light beam distanceaffect light beam distance

– Maximum safe speed 40 to 45 mph based on Maximum safe speed 40 to 45 mph based on ability to stop within lighted areaability to stop within lighted area

Headlight Alignment and Headlight Alignment and SpeedSpeed

T-8.29



Headlight Alignment and Headlight Alignment and SpeedSpeed

Properly aligned high beamsProperly aligned high beams

– Beams hit roadway 350 to 500 feet aheadBeams hit roadway 350 to 500 feet ahead

– Illuminate area road 500 to 1800 feet aheadIlluminate area road 500 to 1800 feet ahead

– Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect

light beam distancelight beam distance

– Maximum safe speed 65 to 70 mph, based on ability Maximum safe speed 65 to 70 mph, based on ability

to stop within lighted areato stop within lighted area

T-8.30



Nighttime Precautionary MeasuresNighttime Precautionary Measures

• Clean windshield inside and out Clean windshield inside and out

– Special problem of windblown sand/dirt particles Special problem of windblown sand/dirt particles

– Diffused light gives appearance of halo around headlights of Diffused light gives appearance of halo around headlights of

oncoming vehicle.oncoming vehicle.

• Clean all lightsClean all lights

– 50 to 90 percent loss of headlight 50 to 90 percent loss of headlight

efficiency due to road grimeefficiency due to road grime

• Reduce daytime speedReduce daytime speed

• Increase following intervalIncrease following interval

• Look to right of oncoming vehiclesLook to right of oncoming vehicles

T-8.31



Nighttime Precautionary Nighttime Precautionary MeasuresMeasures

• Turn off interior convenience lightsTurn off interior convenience lights

• Proper use of high/low headlight beamsProper use of high/low headlight beams

• Use parking lights only when parkedUse parking lights only when parked

• If stopped beside road, take appropriate safety If stopped beside road, take appropriate safety

measuresmeasures

• Use day/night switch on rear Use day/night switch on rear

view mirrorview mirror

T-8.32



Driving in Drifting FogDriving in Drifting Fog

– Reduce speedReduce speed

– Make sure headlights are on low beam to Make sure headlights are on low beam to

reduce reflected glarereduce reflected glare

– Turn on windshield wipersTurn on windshield wipers

– Turn on defroster or air conditionerTurn on defroster or air conditioner

Visibility Limitations in FogVisibility Limitations in Fog

T-8.33



Visibility Limitations in FogVisibility Limitations in Fog

Driving in Heavy FogDriving in Heavy Fog

– Reduce speed, but do not stop in a travel laneReduce speed, but do not stop in a travel lane

– Turn on emergency flashersTurn on emergency flashers

– Look for an exit from the highwayLook for an exit from the highway

– If impossible to leave highwayIf impossible to leave highway• stop beyond end of guard railstop beyond end of guard rail

• back up to outboard of the guardrailback up to outboard of the guardrail

• turn off all lights turn off all lights

• wait for fog to liftwait for fog to lift

T-8.34



• Reduce speed imposed by ability to stopReduce speed imposed by ability to stop

• Do not stop in travel lane or shoulderDo not stop in travel lane or shoulder

• Turn headlights to low beamsTurn headlights to low beams

• Turn on emergency flashers when below Turn on emergency flashers when below

speed limitspeed limit

• Maintain appropriate lane position Maintain appropriate lane position

Visibility Limitations in Bad WeatherVisibility Limitations in Bad Weather

T-8.35



Precautions in Bad WeatherPrecautions in Bad Weather

• Turn on windshield wipers Turn on windshield wipers

• Be alert for vehicles stopped in roadwayBe alert for vehicles stopped in roadway

• Be prepared for effects of gusting Be prepared for effects of gusting

or strong steady crosswinds or strong steady crosswinds

• Make steering, acceleration, and Make steering, acceleration, and

braking actions gently and smoothlybraking actions gently and smoothly

T-8.36



Precautions in Bad WeatherPrecautions in Bad Weather

• In severe snow conditions, look for exit from In severe snow conditions, look for exit from

highway and turn on radio for weather report highway and turn on radio for weather report

• If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the

outboard end of guardrail outboard end of guardrail

• Use cell phone or radio to Use cell phone or radio to

check conditionscheck conditions

• Smoke, ice, and snow require use Smoke, ice, and snow require use

of windshield washerof windshield washer

T-8.37



Low Water CrossingsLow Water Crossings

• Flash Flooding ConditionsFlash Flooding Conditions

• A Texas ProblemA Texas Problem

• Not Specific to Time of YearNot Specific to Time of Year

• Dangerous ConditionDangerous Condition

T-8.38




• Nearly 50% of flash flood fatalities are vehicle Nearly 50% of flash flood fatalities are vehicle related related

• Search for flood prone areas Search for flood prone areas

– highway dipshighway dips

– bridgesbridges

– low areas low areas

• Largest and heaviest of vehicles will float Largest and heaviest of vehicles will float

• Six inches of water may cause loss of controlSix inches of water may cause loss of control

T-8.39




• Two feet of water carries most carsTwo feet of water carries most cars• Hidden danger awaits most motorists Hidden danger awaits most motorists • Visibility is limited at night Visibility is limited at night • Heed all flood warningsHeed all flood warnings• Heed all flash flood watches and Heed all flash flood watches and

warnings warnings • Keep aware of road conditions through Keep aware of road conditions through

news medianews media

T-8.40



Hot and Cold TemperaturesHot and Cold Temperatures

• Additional demand on vehicle systemsAdditional demand on vehicle systems

– High temperatures of summer High temperatures of summer

– Low temperatures of winter Low temperatures of winter

• If not addressed…If not addressed…

– Impairs your ability to assess conditionsImpairs your ability to assess conditions

– Impairs your ability to respond in a timely Impairs your ability to respond in a timely manner manner

– Creates conditions of increased riskCreates conditions of increased risk

T-8.41



• Tires for balance, alignment, appropriate type and depth Tires for balance, alignment, appropriate type and depth

of tread of tread

– Minimum legal 2/32 of an inch tread depth inadequate on Minimum legal 2/32 of an inch tread depth inadequate on

all wet surfacesall wet surfaces

• Tire inflationTire inflation

– Keep track of cold tire pressure (noted inside driver door)Keep track of cold tire pressure (noted inside driver door)

– Maximum tire pressure indicated on tire sidewalls Maximum tire pressure indicated on tire sidewalls

• Radiator coolant, hoses, and connectionsRadiator coolant, hoses, and connections

Cold Weather PrecautionsCold Weather Precautions

T-8.42



Cold Weather ChecksCold Weather Checks

• Heater, defroster, and air conditioner systemHeater, defroster, and air conditioner system

• Drive belts for tension and wearDrive belts for tension and wear

• Winterized windshield wiper fluidWinterized windshield wiper fluid

• Windshield wiper blades Windshield wiper blades

• Lights and glass areas are clear and cleanLights and glass areas are clear and clean

T-8.43



• Tire inflation needs special attention Tire inflation needs special attention

– Underinflated tires are subject to heat and pressure Underinflated tires are subject to heat and pressure

buildupbuildup

– Especially when driving for extended distances at Especially when driving for extended distances at

higher speedshigher speeds

• The air conditioner, radiator coolant, hoses, The air conditioner, radiator coolant, hoses,

connections, and drive belts need special attention connections, and drive belts need special attention

– Due to the extra load placed on the engine Due to the extra load placed on the engine

– Due to the extra load placed on the cooling systemDue to the extra load placed on the cooling system

Hot Weather ChecksHot Weather Checks

T-8.44



Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for AdultsSafety BeltSafety Belt

– Snug lap belt after fastening across hips or thighsSnug lap belt after fastening across hips or thighs

– Adjust center post mounting for heightAdjust center post mounting for height

if vehicle is equipped with deviceif vehicle is equipped with device

– Belt over top of shoulder and across chest Belt over top of shoulder and across chest

distributes force in event of crashdistributes force in event of crash

– Check frequently for snug fitCheck frequently for snug fit

T-8.45



Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for Adults

Safety BeltSafety Belt

– Keep seat back in upright position Keep seat back in upright position

avoids submarine effect in frontal crashavoids submarine effect in frontal crash

– Movement of belted occupant in a crash Movement of belted occupant in a crash

– Types of locking devicesTypes of locking devices

T-8.46




Air Bags in dash or steering wheelAir Bags in dash or steering wheel

– No passenger under 12 years of age No passenger under 12 years of age

in front seatin front seat

– Protects against head and chest Protects against head and chest

injuriesinjuries

– Speed of inflation is criticalSpeed of inflation is critical

– Driver should adjust seat for Driver should adjust seat for

minimum 10 inch clearance between minimum 10 inch clearance between

chest and steering wheelchest and steering wheel

T-8.47




Air Bags in dash or steering wheelAir Bags in dash or steering wheel

– Raise seat or adjust steering wheel to direct air Raise seat or adjust steering wheel to direct air

bag toward chest and facial areabag toward chest and facial area

– Hand position should be at Hand position should be at

9 and 3 or lower9 and 3 or lower

– Avoid 10 and 2 for blow Avoid 10 and 2 for blow

hole burn prevention hole burn prevention

T-8.48




• Air Bags for side impact protectionAir Bags for side impact protection

– Upper door frameUpper door frame

– Seat edge/door panelSeat edge/door panel

• Head RestraintsHead Restraints

– Proper adjustment to avoid neck injuryProper adjustment to avoid neck injury

– Seat position to aid in vehicle controlSeat position to aid in vehicle control

T-8.49



Safety Restraints for YouthSafety Restraints for Youth

• Belt and Seat Restraint UseBelt and Seat Restraint Use

– Safest if seated in back seatSafest if seated in back seat

– Infant seats/rear facing/birth to 20 lbs.Infant seats/rear facing/birth to 20 lbs.

– Child seats up to 40 lbs.Child seats up to 40 lbs.

– Booster seats up to 60 lbs.Booster seats up to 60 lbs.

• Head RestraintsHead Restraints

– Proper adjustment to avoid neck injuryProper adjustment to avoid neck injury

– Seat positionSeat position

T-8.50



Occupant ProtectionOccupant ProtectionAdjustable Adjustable

Shoulder-belt MountShoulder-belt Mount

Head RestraintHead Restraint

Air BagAir Bag

Crash Crash SensorsSensors

Gases Gases Vent Vent OpeningOpening

T-8.51



Restraints ProtectRestraints Protect

• Protect Against Ejection from VehicleProtect Against Ejection from Vehicle

• Protect Against Fire and Water Protect Against Fire and Water

ImmersionImmersion

• Protect Child from ImpactProtect Child from Impact

– instead of holding child on your lapinstead of holding child on your lap

• Protect Occupants at Point of ImpactProtect Occupants at Point of Impact

T-8.52



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.

In 31 MPH CrashIn 31 MPH Crash

T-8.53



Types of Belt-Locking SystemsTypes of Belt-Locking Systems

Normal Conditions Normal Conditions Emergency ConditionsEmergency Conditions

Seat BeltSeat Belt Seat BeltSeat Belt

Ratchet MechanismRatchet Mechanism Ratchet MechanismRatchet Mechanism

PendulumPendulum PendulumPendulum

BarBar BarBar

Sudden Car MovementSudden Car Movement

T-8.54



• Lap belt Lap belt

• low across hips low across hips

• snug across hipssnug across hips

• avoids internal injuriesavoids internal injuries

• Shoulder belt Shoulder belt

• over collar bone and chestover collar bone and chest

• avoids shoulder dislocation avoids shoulder dislocation

• avoids rib cage damageavoids rib cage damage

Adjusting Belts for Proper FitAdjusting Belts for Proper Fit

T-8.55



Highway Safety Design FeaturesHighway Safety Design Features

• Elimination of grade intersectionsElimination of grade intersections

• Wide clear shoulders and wide lanes Wide clear shoulders and wide lanes

• Rumble strips installed at the road edge to alert driversRumble strips installed at the road edge to alert drivers

• Redesign of median Redesign of median barriers barriers

• Traffic calming devicesTraffic calming devices

Occupant Protection Highway Design Features Include:Occupant Protection Highway Design Features Include:

T-8.56



• Breakaway sign support postsBreakaway sign support posts

• New design guard rails with ends that New design guard rails with ends that

reduce penetration of guardrail into vehiclereduce penetration of guardrail into vehicle

• Crash attenuators such as vinyl liquid or Crash attenuators such as vinyl liquid or

sand filled drumssand filled drums



T-8.57




• Protected left and right turn baysProtected left and right turn bays

• Collector/distributor lanes on high speed, high Collector/distributor lanes on high speed, high

density highways density highways

– separates slower moving entering/exiting traffic from separates slower moving entering/exiting traffic from

the higher speed through movement traffic flowthe higher speed through movement traffic flow

• Message signs to alert drivers to problemsMessage signs to alert drivers to problems


T-8.58



Automotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology

• Anti-Lock BrakesAnti-Lock Brakes

• Traction Control DevicesTraction Control Devices

• Suspension Control DevicesSuspension Control Devices

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

• Crumple ZonesCrumple Zones

• Door LatchesDoor Latches

• GlassGlass

• HeadlightsHeadlights

T-8.59



Controlling ConsequencesControlling Consequences

• Avoid head-on collisionsAvoid head-on collisions

• Drive off road rather than skid off roadDrive off road rather than skid off road

• Hit something soft rather than Hit something soft rather than

something hardsomething hard

T-8.60



Controlling ConsequencesControlling Consequences

• Hit something going your way rather Hit something going your way rather than something stationarythan something stationary

• Hit stationary object with glancing Hit stationary object with glancing blowblow

• Hit stationary object rather than an Hit stationary object rather than an approaching objectapproaching object

• Steer to avoid oncoming trafficSteer to avoid oncoming traffic

T-8.61



• Ice, snow or frostIce, snow or frost

• Wet, particularly first 15 minutes of rain after Wet, particularly first 15 minutes of rain after

a long dry period when drops of oil and a long dry period when drops of oil and

rubber particles have collected on surfacerubber particles have collected on surface

• Hard rain or water standing on roadHard rain or water standing on road

• Mud near farm entrances, construction sites, Mud near farm entrances, construction sites,

and truck crossingsand truck crossings

Condition of the Road SurfaceCondition of the Road Surface

T-8.62



Condition of the Road SurfaceCondition of the Road Surface

• Wet leavesWet leaves

• Broken or uneven road surfaceBroken or uneven road surface

• Sand or gravel frequently found on curves in Sand or gravel frequently found on curves in

rural areasrural areas

• Curve banked the wrong way, if flat, loss of Curve banked the wrong way, if flat, loss of

traction can occur on dry surface but more traction can occur on dry surface but more

likely when slipperylikely when slippery

T-8.63



Traction Loss CausesTraction Loss Causes Condition of the VehicleCondition of the Vehicle

• Brakes unevenly adjustedBrakes unevenly adjusted

– Brakes pulling in one direction or the other can cause a skid, Brakes pulling in one direction or the other can cause a skid,

as can wheels out of alignment when brakes are appliedas can wheels out of alignment when brakes are applied

• Tires with worn treadTires with worn tread

– Front and rear pairs not matched to size Front and rear pairs not matched to size

– Front and rear tread depth or typeFront and rear tread depth or type

• Different pressure on opposite sides have effect Different pressure on opposite sides have effect

similar to uneven brake adjustment since one tire similar to uneven brake adjustment since one tire

will drag more than otherswill drag more than others

T-8.64



Driver ActionsDriver Actions

Traction Loss CausesTraction Loss CausesTraction Loss CausesTraction Loss Causes

• Sudden steering action on a slippery surfaceSudden steering action on a slippery surface

• Abrupt or sudden changes in vehicle speedAbrupt or sudden changes in vehicle speed

• Panic stop or applying brakes too hard on hill, curves, or Panic stop or applying brakes too hard on hill, curves, or slippery surfacesslippery surfaces

• Sudden engagement of clutch on slippery surfaceSudden engagement of clutch on slippery surface

• Most driver-induced skids are caused by Most driver-induced skids are caused by – excessive speedexcessive speed

– coupled with excessive steering input coupled with excessive steering input

– or improper braking when turningor improper braking when turning

– same actions at normal speed on ice/snow or on roadways covered by same actions at normal speed on ice/snow or on roadways covered by sand, gravel or watersand, gravel or water

T-8.65



Traction Loss ConsiderationsTraction Loss Considerations

• Sudden shifts of vehicle balance Sudden shifts of vehicle balance causes traction losscauses traction loss

– Left, Right, Forward, or BackwardLeft, Right, Forward, or Backward

• Simultaneous steering, braking and/or Simultaneous steering, braking and/or acceleration creates sudden shifts in acceleration creates sudden shifts in vehicle balance vehicle balance

• Traction loss compounds crash Traction loss compounds crash consequencesconsequences

T-8.66




When Brakes Are Applied Too Hard or QuicklyWhen Brakes Are Applied Too Hard or Quickly

• Weight Moves to Front of the Car Weight Moves to Front of the Car

• Weight Movement or Brake Force CausesWeight Movement or Brake Force Causes

– noticeable drop of the hood noticeable drop of the hood

– noticeable rise of the rear decknoticeable rise of the rear deck

– forward movement of driver and passengersforward movement of driver and passengers

Direction of TravelDirection of Travel

Hard/Quick Braking Force Hard/Quick Braking Force or Weight Movement or Weight Movement

Vehicle MovementsVehicle Movements

T-8.67




When Acceleration is Applied Too Hard or QuicklyWhen Acceleration is Applied Too Hard or Quickly

• Weight Moves to the Rear of the CarWeight Moves to the Rear of the Car

• Weight Movement or Acceleration Force Causes Weight Movement or Acceleration Force Causes – noticeable rise of the hood noticeable rise of the hood

– noticeable drop of the rear decknoticeable drop of the rear deck

– rearward movement of driver and passengersrearward movement of driver and passengers

Hard/Quick Acceleration Force Hard/Quick Acceleration Force or Weight Movementor Weight Movement Vehicle MovementsVehicle Movements


T-8.68




When Steering is Applied Too Hard or QuicklyWhen Steering is Applied Too Hard or Quickly

• Weight Moves to the Opposite Corner of the CarWeight Moves to the Opposite Corner of the Car

• Weight Movement Causes aWeight Movement Causes a

– noticeable drop and tilt of the hood noticeable drop and tilt of the hood

– noticeable rise and tilt of the rear decknoticeable rise and tilt of the rear deck

– driver and passenger movement to the car’s cornerdriver and passenger movement to the car’s corner


Hard/Quick Steering ForceHard/Quick Steering Force

or Weight Movementor Weight Movement



T-8.69



Traction Loss to Front TiresTraction Loss to Front Tires

• Vehicle Keeps Moving Straight Ahead in Spite of Vehicle Keeps Moving Straight Ahead in Spite of

Steering Efforts Means Traction is LostSteering Efforts Means Traction is Lost

• Technical Term is “Understeer”Technical Term is “Understeer”

• Driver Must Visually Identify Unusual MovementDriver Must Visually Identify Unusual Movement

• Vehicle Weight Tends to Push Front Wheels Straight Vehicle Weight Tends to Push Front Wheels Straight

Ahead Regardless of Steering InputAhead Regardless of Steering Input

Intended Path of TravelIntended Path of Travel

Actual Path of TravelActual Path of Travel

T-8.70



Front Traction Loss CorrectionFront Traction Loss Correction• Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel

• Activate ABS, if Vehicle has SystemActivate ABS, if Vehicle has System

– Ease off Conventional Brake SystemEase off Conventional Brake System

– Reestablish Rolling TractionReestablish Rolling Traction

• Ease off Steering InputsEase off Steering Inputs

– Quick Steering Creates More Traction LossQuick Steering Creates More Traction Loss

– Allows Tire Tread to Point Toward Path of Travel Allows Tire Tread to Point Toward Path of Travel

• Jab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not Jab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not Available (ABS performs this function automatically)Available (ABS performs this function automatically)

Targeted Path of TravelTargeted Path of Travel

Lift Eyes Lift Eyes to Path of to Path of TravelTravel

T-8.71



Traction Loss to Rear TiresTraction Loss to Rear Tires

• Identified visually as front of vehicle moves left or Identified visually as front of vehicle moves left or right of travel path without steering input in that right of travel path without steering input in that directiondirection

• Technical term is “Oversteer”Technical term is “Oversteer”

• Reduced Traction Rear Tires Assume Steering Reduced Traction Rear Tires Assume Steering PositionPosition

• Vehicle Weight Tends to Push Rear Wheels Left or Vehicle Weight Tends to Push Rear Wheels Left or Right Without Steering InputRight Without Steering Input

Intended Path of TravelIntended Path of Travel

Actual Path of TravelActual Path of Travel

Rear Tire MovementRear Tire Movement

T-8.72



• Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel

• Activate Traction Control System, if EquippedActivate Traction Control System, if Equipped

– Ease off brake or accelerator if not equippedEase off brake or accelerator if not equipped

– Reestablishes rolling tractionReestablishes rolling traction

• Steer Toward Targeted Path of TravelSteer Toward Targeted Path of Travel

• Adjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path Adjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path of Travel to an Open Space Areaof Travel to an Open Space Area

• Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) will Move Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) will Move Weight to Rear. (Traction Control System will adjust the Weight to Rear. (Traction Control System will adjust the speed and brakes automatically while activated)speed and brakes automatically while activated)

Rear Traction Loss CorrectionRear Traction Loss Correction

On Targeted PathOn Targeted Path

Off Targeted PathOff Targeted Path

T-8.73



Off-Road RecoveryOff-Road Recovery

• Do not panic and steer too muchDo not panic and steer too much

• Ease off accelerator and activate ABSEase off accelerator and activate ABS

• Align edge line of roadway to middle of Align edge line of roadway to middle of

carcar

• Check traffic to front and rearCheck traffic to front and rear

• If traffic is clear, return to roadway with one wheel at a time If traffic is clear, return to roadway with one wheel at a time

to prevent crossing roadwayto prevent crossing roadway

• Limit steering inputs to less than 1/2 turn of wheel Limit steering inputs to less than 1/2 turn of wheel

• Use less input when the edge of road is highUse less input when the edge of road is high

• Target center of lane to avoid crossing over to other lane Target center of lane to avoid crossing over to other lane

T-8.0 Driving Through A New Century Texas Education Agency WINTER DRIVING TRACTION CONTROL.

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Transcript of T-8.0 Driving Through A New Century Texas Education Agency WINTER DRIVING TRACTION CONTROL.