Night Driving and Extreme Conditions
Night
Overdriving headlights is the core hazard: drive so you can stop within the lighted distance. Use low beams in fog, rain, and snow; high beams reflect back. Dim dash lights, avoid glare, and stop when tired.
Weather
Rain: hydroplaning can begin at highway speed, especially with low tread. Ease off; don't brake hard. Fog: slow down, use low beams, and pull off if you cannot see. Ice: bridges freeze first; test brakes gently.
Mountains and heat
Before a long descent, select a low gear and use engine braking; don't ride the service brakes. In heat, check tire pressure and watch for overheating. Use flashers when pulled off in poor visibility.
Worked example
A driver enters dense fog with high beams on and sees a white wall. Reasoning: high beams reflect off the water droplets. Switch to low beams, reduce speed, and if visibility is too short to stop, pull off the road, turn on flashers, and wait.
Traps
Using high beams in fog; coasting downhill; ignoring fatigue; not checking trailer lights before a night run.