A 4-minute lesson from the New Jersey course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Rain, snow, ice, fog and glare all reduce traction or vision, and each needs its own technique. Slow down, add following distance, and handle brakes and steering gently so the tires keep their grip.
Know the rule
Drive more slowly on wet roads, stop and turn with great care, and increase the three-seconds-plus rule to four or more seconds. Quick turns or speed changes can cause a skid.
To avoid hydroplaning, don't drive on bald or badly worn tires, and slow down in heavy rain, standing water or slush. In a heavy storm, drive on the highest point of the road, such as the center lane.
Before winter driving, warm up the engine per the manufacturer and remove all snow and ice from the vehicle. You are responsible for ice that flies from your vehicle and causes death, injury or damage.
With ABS, keep your foot on the brake and don't pump. With conventional brakes, use firm, steady pressure; if the wheels lock, release and reapply with slightly less pressure, repeating until under control.
Scrape and wipe frosted windows before starting and use the defroster. If it fails in freezing rain or snow, safely stop, close the windows and let the heater warm them.
In fog, slow down, keep headlights on low beam, and use fog lights if you have them. For sun glare, adjust visors, hold the wheel firmly and slow down.
Heavy rain is pooling on the Turnpike and you feel the steering go light at 55 mph. Ease off the gas without braking hard or turning sharply; you are hydroplaning. Then keep your speed down and move to the center lane.
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.
Between what dates does New Jersey allow the use of studded snow tires?
October 1 and March 1
December 1 and February 28
November 1 and May 1
November 15 and April 1
Answer: November 15 and April 1
New Jersey permits studded snow tires between November 15 and April 1.