Special Driving Conditions and Emergencies
Weather
In rain, slow down and increase following distance; if you hydroplane, ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight, and avoid hard braking until the tires regain grip. In fog, use low beams, slow down, and resist the urge to follow the taillights ahead too closely. On snow and ice, make every input gentle - steering, accelerating, braking - and remember that bridges and overpasses freeze first. In all bad weather, the safest speed is well below the posted limit.
Work zones, railroads, and night
Slow down and merge early in work zones, where lanes may shift and fines are higher when workers are present. At railroad crossings, never stop on the tracks; if your vehicle stalls, get everyone out and move away from the tracks at an angle toward the approaching train, then call for help. At night, reduce speed so you can stop within the distance your headlights show.
Handling an emergency
If you skid, ease off the gas and steer where you want the front of the car to go; do not slam the brakes. If a tire blows out, grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and slow gradually before pulling off. If the brakes fail, pump them, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually. If your vehicle enters deep water, unbuckle, open or break a window, and get out before the car sinks. After a crash, stop, help anyone injured, call 911, and move vehicles out of traffic if there are no injuries.
Trap: answers that say to brake hard in a skid or hydroplane, or to use high beams in fog. Rule of thumb: in any loss of traction, do less - less speed, less steering, less braking.