Class 7 Winter Driving Conditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Alberta, what should you do when driving in a whiteout (blizzard with near-zero visibility)?
- Turn on your high beams to see further
- Pull off the road to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve (Correct answer)
- Keep driving slowly with your regular lights
- Follow the taillights of the vehicle ahead closely
Correct answer: Pull off the road to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve
In whiteout conditions, the safest action is to pull off the road to a safe location such as a parking lot, turn on your hazard lights, and wait. Driving in zero visibility is extremely dangerous.
Question 2: Why are bridges and overpasses more dangerous in winter conditions in Alberta?
- They are steeper than normal roads
- They freeze before other road surfaces because cold air circulates above and below them (Correct answer)
- They have more traffic
- They are made of different materials
Correct answer: They freeze before other road surfaces because cold air circulates above and below them
Bridges and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces because they are exposed to cold air from above and below, while regular roads are insulated by the ground beneath them.
Question 3: In Alberta winter driving, what is the proper technique for braking on slippery roads with anti-lock brakes (ABS)?
- Pump the brakes rapidly
- Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal and let the ABS system work (Correct answer)
- Tap the brakes lightly and steer at the same time
- Slam the brakes as hard as possible
Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal and let the ABS system work
With ABS brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. The ABS system will automatically pump the brakes to prevent wheel lockup. You may feel the pedal pulse — this is normal.
Question 4: What is the proper way to start driving from a stop on a slippery surface in Alberta?
- Accelerate quickly to get moving
- Accelerate gently and gradually to avoid spinning the tires (Correct answer)
- Rev the engine high, then release the clutch quickly
- Turn the steering wheel back and forth to gain traction
Correct answer: Accelerate gently and gradually to avoid spinning the tires
On slippery surfaces, accelerate gently and gradually. Spinning the tires reduces traction and can make it harder to get moving. Some vehicles have a winter mode that starts in a higher gear.
Question 5: When driving in heavy snowfall in Alberta, which lights should you use?
- High beams for maximum visibility
- Low beams or fog lights to reduce glare from snow (Correct answer)
- Only daytime running lights
- No lights — they reflect off the snow and blind you
Correct answer: Low beams or fog lights to reduce glare from snow
In heavy snow, use low beams or fog lights. High beams reflect off the snowflakes and create glare that actually reduces your visibility. Low beams illuminate the road with less reflection.
Question 6: In Alberta, what happens to your vehicle's stopping distance on snow-covered roads compared to dry pavement?
- It stays about the same
- It can increase by three to ten times the normal distance (Correct answer)
- It decreases because snow provides cushioning
- It doubles at most
Correct answer: It can increase by three to ten times the normal distance
On snow-covered roads, stopping distances can increase three to ten times compared to dry pavement. On ice, it can be even worse. This is why increased following distance is critical in winter.
Class 7 Winter Driving Conditions 2
In Alberta, what should you do when driving in a whiteout (blizzard with near-zero visibility)?