Geared to Go A Workbook for Coaching New Drivers

10• Accelerate gently without spinning the wheels, keeping the front wheels pointed straight ahead.• Decrease speed in areas of poor traction caused by snow or ice. In extreme conditions, use a lowergear in both automatic and standard transmission vehicles.• Begin slowing down well ahead of a turn or an intersection, to maintain full control. This way the vehiclewill not slide into or through the intersection.• Apply the brakes gently and release just before lock up. Repeat this, with short pauses in between toavoid skidding. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, steady pressure is all that is needed on the brake pedal.• Watch for danger spots such as shaded areas, and bridge or overpass decks that may be slippery dueto frost, while the rest of the road is clear.• Be extremely careful of patches of black ice (where the pavement is seen through a layer of ice). Theseare sometimes difficult to spot but can be very dangerous.• Do not put too much pressure on the gas pedal when going up a slippery hill. The wheels could spin,causing a skid or loss of control.• Stay well behind the vehicles ahead. This will allow time for slowing down or a safe stop if anothervehicle loses control.• Shift down to a lower gear before going downhill on slippery surfaces to avoid skidding. Shift slowlyand smoothly with both automatic and standard transmissions.Stay SafeBe careful when stopping. Allow more time and distance to stop. Stopping distances increase about10 times in snow and ice.Driving in fog or smoke• Decrease speed according to the density of the fog or smoke. The vehicle speed should match thedriver’s ability to see ahead, even if it means slowing to a crawl.Stay SafeDo not use high beam headlights in fog or smoke. They reflect off the fog causing glare and reducedvisibility. Always use low beam headlights or fog lights (if equipped).82