75
you plan on being parked for a brief period of time. They are
just as likely to blind approaching drivers when your car is
stationary as they are when it is moving. They may also
confuse approaching drivers as to the exact position of the
road. The danger is increased if you are parked on the wrong
side of the roadway. Whenever you park on or along a
highway at night, leave your emergency and parking lights on.
Parking on the shoulder of the interstate is prohibited except in
cases of emergency. You also cannot park any motor vehicle
on the paved and unpaved portions of the entrance and exit
ramps, unless the vehicle is disabled.
Wet pavement can be as treacherous as icy pavement, so
always reduce your speed in wet weather. You will need
additional distance for stopping, and you may skid on sharp
turns.
• Slow down at the first sign of rain on the road.
• The pavement is particularly treacherous when it first
begins to rain. Accumulations of dirt and oil will mix with
the water, and create a greasy film on the roadway.
• This is when most roads are the most slippery and it will
not give your tires the grip they need so you must drive
more slowly than on a dry road.
Inclement weather creates
vision problems as well as
vehicle control problems.
Keep your windshield
wipers in good condition,
and wait a few seconds
after rain starts before you turn them on. There should be
enough water on the windshield for the wipers to clear it, not
smear it with dust and grime.
Use the defroster or air conditioner to keep windows and
mirrors clear. If you drive in inclement weather or fog, reduce
speed to make up for the reduced visibility.
Use headlights on low beam so the light will be on the road
where you need it. In fog or mist, never put your headlights
on
high beam because the light will be reflected back into your
eyes.
RAIN: Drivers must change driving habits to adjust to poor
driving conditions caused by weather. Rainy weather calls for:
• Slower speed.
• Greater stopping distance.
• Driving with headlights on low beam.
• Use of wipers, defroster as needed for maximum vision.
• An early signal for all turns or lane changes.
• Braking well in advance of a stop to warn following
drivers of your intentions.
FOG AND SMOKE: Tennessee experiences forest fires at any
time of year, under almost any weather conditions. Where
there is fire, there is ultimately smoke, and smoke does not
mix well with safe driving. Tennessee also experiences air-
ground temperature variances that create fog at any time of the
year.
Unforseen changes in weather may create conditions where
visibility on roadways is seriously impaired. Under these
conditions drivers need to be cautious. The best decision is
not to drive in fog or smoke. If you must drive under these
conditions, there are actions that every driver should take to
protect themselves and their passengers.
The best advice for driving in fog or smoke is “DON’T”. If
you must travel in fog or smoke you should:
• Drive with your lights on low beam. High beams will
impair your visibility. Never drive with just your parking
or fog lights on.
• Reduce your speed.
• Avoid crossing traffic unless absolutely necessary.
• Listen for traffic (keep radio off or turned down low and
do NOT use cell phone while driving in fog).
• Use wipers and defroster as needed for maximum vision.
Have good operating windshield wipers so that they do an
effective job.
• Be patient! Stay to the right. Avoid passing.
• Do not stop on any roadway unless absolutely necessary.
However, if you can’t see the road’s edge, pull off as far
to the right as possible – well out of the traffic lane – and
turn on your emergency flashers.
• If your car stalls or is disabled, move away from the
vehicle to avoid personal injury.
• Consider postponing your trip until the fog clears.
• Adhere to warning devices in fog-prone areas.
Slippery When Wet
Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet.
These roads usually have warning signs. Here are some clues
to help you spot slippery roads:
•
On cold, wet days, shade from trees or buildings can hide
spots of ice. These areas freeze first and dry out last.
• Bridges and overpasses can also hide spots of ice. They
tend to freeze before the rest of the road does.
• If it starts to rain on a hot day, pavement can be very
slippery for the first few minutes. Heat causes oil in the
asphalt to come to the surface and this makes the road
extremely slippery until the oil washes off.
WHEN DRIVING THROUGH DENSE FOG, HEAVY
RAIN OR SNOW DURING THE DAYTIME, TURN ON
YOU LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS.
This gives you better visibility and alerts oncoming cars to
your presence, it is also a requirement of Tennessee law.
DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER
CONDITIONS