A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Wet, icy and foggy roads make it harder to start, stop, turn and see. Massachusetts weather demands slower speeds, more space, and a vehicle that's ready for winter.
Know the rule
The law requires your headlights and taillights whenever you use your windshield wipers. Daytime running lights are not sufficient.
Tires riding on water with no contact with the road, caused by road conditions, water and speed. If it starts, you're going too fast: slowly ease off the gas; never brake or turn suddenly.
Don't drive through puddles, because wet brakes don't work right. After a large puddle, apply your brakes lightly as soon as you can until they feel normal again.
Remove ALL ice and snow before driving: windows, wipers, headlights, brake lights, and the roof, hood and trunk. If you don't, and it blows into vehicles behind you, you can be charged with negligent operation.
If you plow with a truck for compensation, it must have commercial plates. Dial 511 anytime (24/7) for traffic, weather and construction updates or to report road problems.
After a snowstorm you clear the windshield but leave a foot of snow on the roof. If it blows onto the car behind you, you can be charged with negligent operation. Clear the roof, hood and trunk too.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, what should you do?
Hit the brakes firmly
Turn the wheel sharply
Accelerate to regain traction
Ease off the gas pedal slowly
Answer: Ease off the gas pedal slowly
If hydroplaning, slowly step off the gas; never hit the brakes or turn suddenly.