Quebec handbook · chapter 5 · 44 min read

Driving Strategies

DRIVING STRATEGIES Knowing how to recognize difficult situations helps drivers rapidly adjust their driving. Night driving, for instance, with its reduced visibility, has an impact on driver reaction time. Some weather conditions also increase driving risks. In winter, tire traction is reduced, making it necessary for you to adjust your driving.

When unexpected situations arise, such as mechanical problems, drivers must have strategies to stay out of trouble.

This chapter therefore presents the main characteristics of such situations and proposes driving strategies for dealing with them. DIFFICULT CONDITIONS

Night Driving

At night, vision is affected by a reduction in natural light. Headlights cannot make up for the lack of daylight. Contrasts are reduced, modifying the perception of depth and movement. As a result: ▶ Colours seem to be partially lost when lit up by headlights at night; ▶ Movements are harder to see; ▶ Stationary objects are hard to distinguish in the darkness, making it harder to judge distances; ▶ Obstacles may be seen too late. H When you come within 150 metres of another vehicle, either the one approaching you or the one you are following, you must lower the intensity of your headlights.

To read the road well, it is important to look beyond the range of the headlights, i.e. what is lit up by their projection. You must also adopt specific strategies at night.