Special Driving Conditions and Emergencies
What this domain covers
Colorado's special-conditions questions cover mountain grades, snow and ice, rain, fog, night driving, wildlife, and emergency responses. The exam wants the specific action that matches the hazard.
Mountain and winter driving
On long downgrades, shift to a lower gear and use the engine to control speed; do not ride the brakes, which can overheat and fade. Colorado's Traction Law requires adequate tires (M+S with sufficient tread) or chains during posted winter conditions; Chain Law requires chains. Do not use cruise control on snow, ice, or wet roads. Bridges and shaded curves freeze first. Increase following distance and brake earlier and more gently.
Rain, fog, and floods
Hydroplaning starts when water lifts the tires; ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer straight until traction returns. In fog, use low beams and reduce speed; high beams reflect back. Never drive into water covering the road: you cannot judge depth or current. 'Turn around, don't drown.'
Night and wildlife
At dawn and dusk, scan the shoulders for deer and elk. If an animal is in the road, brake firmly; do not swerve into oncoming traffic or off the shoulder. Use high beams when legal, dim for oncoming traffic, and look toward the right edge of your lane when dazzled.
Emergencies
For a blowout, hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight; brake gently after slowing. For a skid, ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go; do not slam on the brakes. If brakes fail, pump or apply firm pressure, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, get everyone out and move away at an angle.
Worked example
You are descending a steep mountain pass and smell hot brakes. You have been riding the brake pedal. The correct response is to pull over safely, let the brakes cool, and then descend in a lower gear, using short brake applications. Continuing to ride the brakes risks fade and loss of braking. The trap is to 'brake harder' rather than change technique.
Traps that cost marks
Do not use cruise control on ice. Do not use high beams in fog. Do not swerve for wildlife if it risks a worse crash. Do not brake hard during a blowout or skid.