Driving Conditions Cheat Sheet - Quick Reference Guide
Quick reference for exam-critical information from Sections 2.10-2.14: night driving, fog, winter weather, hot weather, and aggressive driving.
Headlight Ranges (MEMORIZE)
| Light Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Low beams | 250 feet |
| High beams | 350-500 feet |
| Dim within | 500 feet of other vehicles |
Rule: Stop within headlight range or you're going too fast.
Night Driving Rules
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use high beams when safe | Wear tinted lenses |
| Dim within 500 feet | Retaliate if others don't dim |
| Look right to avoid glare | Look directly at oncoming lights |
| Keep windshield clean | Keep cab interior bright |
| Stop and sleep if drowsy | Rely on caffeine |
Fatigue Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Crashes from drowsy driving | 100,000/year |
| Drivers who've fallen asleep | 36% |
| Heavy truck crashes from fatigue | 15%+ |
| Sleep needed | 8-9 hours |
| High-risk times | Midnight-6 a.m., mid-afternoon |
Warning Signs
- Heavy eyelids
- Yawning repeatedly
- Can't remember last few miles
- Drifting from lane
- Missing exits
Only cure: SLEEP (15-20 min nap minimum)
Fog Driving Rules
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Pull over and wait | Drive if possible |
| Use LOW beams | Use high beams |
| Use fog lights | Assume fog will thin |
| Turn on 4-way flashers | Trust taillights ahead |
| Use roadside reflectors | Pass other vehicles |
| Listen for traffic | Stop on roadside |
Why low beams? High beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
Winter Driving
Signs of Ice
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No spray from vehicles | Ice has formed |
| Ice on mirrors/wipers | Road is probably icy |
| Temperature near 32°F | Watch for ice |
| Bridge or overpass | Freezes FIRST |
| Melting ice | MORE slippery |
Winter Driving Techniques
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Start gently, get feel of road | Rush |
| Turn and brake gently | Use retarder/engine brake |
| Increase following distance | Pass unless necessary |
| Slow down as ice melts | Drive alongside others |
Critical: Turn OFF retarder on ice—causes drive wheel skids.
Pre-Trip Winter Checks
- Coolant and antifreeze level
- Defrosters working
- Wipers pressing firmly
- Washer fluid (antifreeze type)
- Tire tread adequate
- Chains ready
- Exhaust system (CO danger)
Wet Brakes Procedure
While Crossing Water
- Slow down
- Low gear
- Gently apply brakes (keeps water out)
- Increase RPM with light brake pressure
After Exiting Water
- Maintain light brake pressure (heats/dries brakes)
- Test brakes when safe
Wet Brake Problems
- Weak brakes
- Uneven braking
- Grabbing
- Wheel lockups
- Jackknife
Hot Weather Rules
Tire Checks
| Rule | Value |
|---|---|
| Check frequency | Every 2 hours or 100 miles |
| Hot tire pressure | Do NOT release air |
| Tire too hot to touch | STOP and wait |
Never release air from hot tires—pressure will be too low when cool.
Radiator Cap Safety
| Can Open | Cannot Open |
|---|---|
| Recovery tank cap (any time) | Pressurized cap when HOT |
| Cap you can touch with bare hand | Cap on hot/pressurized system |
Adding Coolant (No Recovery Tank)
- Shut off engine
- Wait until cooled
- Use gloves/cloth
- Turn cap to first stop (releases pressure)
- Step back
- Remove cap when pressure gone
- Add coolant, replace cap
Hot Weather Hazards
- Bleeding tar (slippery)
- Tire blowouts
- Engine overheating
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive Driving vs Road Rage
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Aggressive driving | Selfish, pushy, disregards others |
| Road rage | Intent to harm, physical assault |
When Confronted
- Get out of their way
- Don't challenge
- Avoid eye contact
- Ignore gestures
- Report if safe
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Low beam range | 250 feet |
| High beam range | 350-500 feet |
| Dim lights distance | 500 feet |
| Tire check (hot weather) | 2 hours or 100 miles |
| Bridge freeze temp | 32°F (freezes before road) |
| Fatigue crashes | 15%+ of truck crashes |
| Nap needed | 15-20 minutes minimum |
Quick Quiz
Q: Low beam visibility range?
A: 250 feet
Q: High beam range?
A: 350-500 feet
Q: What lights in fog?
A: Low beams (high beams reflect off fog)
Q: Release air from hot tires?
A: NO—pressure will be too low when cool
Q: Use retarder on ice?
A: NO—causes drive wheel skids
Q: What freezes first—bridge or road?
A: Bridge
Q: Is melting ice more or less slippery?
A: MORE slippery
Q: How to dry wet brakes?
A: Light brake pressure to heat and dry
Q: Only cure for drowsiness?
A: Sleep (15-20 min nap)
Q: Check tires in hot weather how often?
A: Every 2 hours or 100 miles
Memory Tricks
Headlights: "250 low, 350-500 high, dim at 500"
Fog: "LOW beams, HIGH danger"
Ice Detection: "No spray = icy way"
Hot Tires: "Hot tire, don't expire—wait, don't deflate"
Wet Brakes: "Light pressure = dry measure"
Next Steps
- Memorize headlight ranges: 250 (low), 350-500 (high)
- Remember: low beams in fog
- Know: no retarder on ice
- Hot tires: never release air, check every 2 hours/100 miles
Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Driving Conditions questions.