Nova Scotia handbook · chapter 5 · 16 min read

Adverse Driving Conditions

This chapter contains information regarding driving in poor conditions. It provides you with information on the following: • nighttime driving • driving in the rain, snow, or fog • road surfaces • emergencies

Coastal Nova Scotia is known for harsh and variable weather. In this ocean-side province, the secret to arriving safely is to adapt your driving to adverse driving conditions. Some road and weather conditions warrant slow and cautious driving. Slippery roads caused by rain, snow, or sleet, and gravel or dirt roads, make it much more difficult to control your vehicle. Fog, rain, snow, and floods reduce visibility and can cause moisture to form on your brakes. This will increase your stopping distance. These road and weather conditions are especially dangerous because your vehicle may not respond as expected, even though you may respond quickly and diligently.

To prevent the weather conditions from controlling your vehicle, you must • anticipate potential problems. This may mean driving cautiously or not driving at all when dangerous weather conditions exist. Ask yourself: Have I listened to the weather forecast? Should I be on the road?

• be ready to respond to weather conditions and their effects on you and your vehicle. If you learn about potential weather hazards and learn what to do when you begin to lose control of your vehicle, you will be better prepared to deal with adverse driving conditions. The provinces and industry conduct ongoing research to improve driving standards. Keep up to date by reading articles and reports about driving techniques and vehicle improvements such as ABS brakes.

Reduced Visibility

Nighttime driving Nighttime driving is much more dangerous than daytime driving because