Roadwise States Rhode Island Driving lessons Winter Driving, Carbon Monoxide & Cruise Control Rhode Island driving lesson · Driving Emergencies
Winter Driving, Carbon Monoxide & Cruise Control A 2-minute lesson from the Rhode Island course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 2 minutes
Course unit Driving Emergencies
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 46, 47 Ice and snow demand lower speeds and more space, and the most dangerous ice is the kind you can't see. In cold weather, closed windows also raise the risk of an invisible, odorless killer: carbon monoxide.
Know the rule
On ice or snow, take it slow: drive well below the posted speed limit and increase your following distance.
Handbook p. 46 ↗ Black ice Also called invisible ice. Roads that look dry may be slippery and dangerous.
Handbook p. 46 ↗ Slow down near these black-ice spots: Intersections Off-ramps Bridges Shady areas Handbook p. 46 ↗ Know the rule
Brake early, slowly and correctly, and never slam on the brakes. With ABS press the pedal firmly and hold it; without ABS gently pump it.
Handbook p. 46 ↗ Carbon monoxide An odorless gas in vehicle exhaust. Poisoning can happen anytime, especially in cold weather with windows closed, and may cause death if untreated.
Handbook p. 47 ↗ Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: Yawning Feeling dizzy Feeling nauseous Handbook p. 47 ↗ Know the rule
A leaking muffler can let carbon monoxide into the vehicle. The only cure is to open your windows and let fresh air circulate.
Handbook p. 47 ↗ Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Have your exhaust system checked periodically Don't idle for long periods with the windows closed Handbook p. 47 ↗ Know the rule
Never drive in rain or snow with cruise control on. If you hydroplane with cruise control engaged, the car will accelerate and you'll lose control.
Handbook p. 47 ↗ Put it into practice
On a freezing morning the highway looks dry, but you're approaching a shaded bridge. Ease off the gas before the bridge, avoid sudden braking or steering, and keep cruise control off.
A useful reminder CO warning signs mimic drowsiness—yawning, dizziness, nausea. Open the windows first.
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.
What is black ice? Ice mixed with road salt that is highly visible Thick ice that forms only on gravel roads Ice that only forms in shaded parking lots Nearly invisible ice on a road that looks dry Answer: Nearly invisible ice on a road that looks dry
Black ice, also called invisible ice, can make roads that seem dry actually slippery and dangerous.
Handbook p. 46 ↗ Where is black ice most likely to form? Intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas Straight roads far from any water Uphill grades in direct sunlight Only on gravel roads Answer: Intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas
Black ice is more likely at intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas.
Handbook p. 46 ↗ What is a common symptom that may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning while driving? Sudden sharp chest pain and shortness of breath Yawning, dizziness, or nausea Ringing in the ears Blurred color vision only Answer: Yawning, dizziness, or nausea
If you begin to yawn or feel dizzy or nauseous, you may be experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Handbook p. 47 ↗ What is the only cure for carbon monoxide buildup inside a vehicle, per the handbook? Turning up the heater fan Switching the fan to recirculate Opening windows to circulate fresh air Pulling over and idling Answer: Opening windows to circulate fresh air
The fumes are odorless, and the only cure is to open windows and let fresh air circulate inside the vehicle.
Handbook p. 47 ↗ What braking technique is recommended for winter driving without anti-lock brakes? Brake hard and hold firmly Pump the brake as fast as possible Coast without braking until fully stopped Brake early and gently pump the pedal Answer: Brake early and gently pump the pedal
Without anti-lock brakes, brake early, brake slowly, and gently pump the pedal, giving yourself plenty of stopping distance.
Handbook p. 46 ↗ Which habit helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in a vehicle? Idling with the windows closed to stay warm Having the exhaust system checked periodically Keeping the heater on recirculate Changing the cabin air filter each winter Answer: Having the exhaust system checked periodically
Having your exhaust system checked periodically, and not idling with windows closed for long periods, helps avoid CO poisoning.
Handbook p. 47 ↗ Previous lesson Railroad Crossings, Vehicle Fire & Water Next lesson Sharing the Road with Motorcycles More in Driving Emergencies About the source Roadwise’s Rhode Island course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 46, 47. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Rhode Island’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.