You must drive in heavy snow on an Oregon road. Which of the following is recommended by the handbook?
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A.
Use cruise control to keep speed steady.
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B.
Slow down, leave more room, and avoid cruise control. Correct
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C.
Drive at the posted limit so traffic flow stays consistent.
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D.
Brake hard to stop faster on deep snow.
The answer is "Slow down, leave more room, and avoid cruise control."
On snow and ice the handbook recommends driving at slower speeds, leaving more room between you and the vehicle ahead, keeping windows clear, and not using cruise control. Cruise control on snow or ice can cause the wheels to spin if traction is lost, and it removes the smooth gas-pedal feel you need to manage traction. Press the gas and brakes gently, and watch for bridges and shaded areas, which freeze first.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. Use cruise control to keep speed steady.
The handbook explicitly tells you not to use cruise control on snow and ice. Misreading: Confuses general steady-speed driving advice with snow/ice rules; the manual specifically says do not use cruise control on snow and ice.
C. Drive at the posted limit so traffic flow stays consistent.
The posted limit is a ceiling for ideal conditions, not a target; in snow you must drive at a speed reasonable and cautious for existing conditions. Misreading: Treats the posted speed limit as a target rather than a maximum for ideal conditions; the basic rule requires a speed reasonable and cautious for existing conditions.
D. Brake hard to stop faster on deep snow.
The handbook says to gently press and release the brakes; slamming on the brakes on snow or ice will likely cause your vehicle to skid. Misreading: Treats hard braking as a way to shorten stopping distance on snow; the manual warns that slamming on the brakes will likely cause the vehicle to skid.
This question tests your knowledge of Adverse Conditions in Oregon. Source: Oregon Driver Manual, "Hazardous Conditions, Snow and Ice," p.78..
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