Do you still know how to drive safely in winter weather?

Winter season driving can be deceptively nerve-wracking. Foggy mornings, slippery roads and sudden downpours can make for unpredictable driving conditions. So how confident are you in your winter safe driving habits? Take this refresher quiz to test your knowledge and ensure you minimise your chances of running into trouble on the road.

Q1: What’s the safest way to handle foggy conditions while driving?

A) Use high beams to see better

B) Turn on hazard lights and drive slowly

C) Use fog lights or low beams and reduce your speed

Answer: C

Explanation: High beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility. Instead, switch to fog lights or low beams and reduce your speed. Increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking.

Q2: If your vehicle hydroplanes on a wet road, what should you do?

A) Slam on the brakes and hold the wheel tight

B) Ease off the accelerator and steer gently

C) Turn the wheel in the opposite direction

Answer: B

Explanation: If your vehicle hydroplanes/aquaplaning, which is when your tyres cannot displace water fast enough and loses contact with the road surface, stay calm. Instead, ease off the accelerator and focus on holding your steering wheel straight until you feel control come back. Then gently get on the brakes.

Q3. What’s the safest tread depth for stormy or wet weather driving?

A) 1.6mm

B) 3mm

C) 0.8mm

Answer: B

Explanation: While the legal tread-depth minimum requirement is 1.6mm, most tyre experts recommend replacing your tyres at 3mm.

Q4. If your car doesn’t have daytime running lights (DRLs), what should you do before driving in bad weather?

A) Keep your lights off to save battery

B) Use high beams

C) Turn your headlights on

Answer: C

Explanation: Visibility is key in stormy conditions. If your car predates DRLs, switch your headlights on before you set off as this helps others see you more clearly.

Q5. What’s the safest following distance when driving in wet or slippery conditions?

A) 2 seconds

B) 3 seconds

C) 4 or more seconds

Answer: C

Explanation: You should travel at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front when conditions are poor, such as on unsealed (dirt or gravel), icy or wet roads, or at night. It gives you the space to stop safely if something unexpected happens.

Q6. What’s the correct way to stop suddenly with ABS brakes?

A) Pump the brakes lightly

B) Slam the brakes and let the system work

C) Only use the handbrake

Answer: B

Explanation: If your car has ABS (standard in Australian cars since 2003

), press the brake pedal firmly and focus on steering. The system prevents wheel lock-up and helps you stop safely. If you drive an older car, though, you'll need to brake firmly but have some finesse to your application to avoid locked-up wheels.

Q7. What should you do if conditions become overwhelming while driving?

A) Keep going slowly

B) Pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights and wait it out

C) Drive faster to get through quickly

Answer: B

Explanation: If visibility drops or you feel unsafe, pull over in a safe location off the road. Turn on your headlights and hazard lights to alert others.

Final tips to keep in mind

Safe driving in winter matters. Remember:

• Slow down in wet or foggy conditions
• Use fog lights and low beams when visibility is low
• Maintain a safe following distance in wet weather from other vehicles
• Use your heater and A/C together to keep windscreens clear
• Stay calm if you hydroplane, and pull over if driving becomes unsafe

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}