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Question

Difficulty: MediumWinter Driving

While driving a loaded combination vehicle across an elevated interstate corridor in sub-freezing temperatures, the driver observes that spray from surrounding tires has ceased and ice has begun forming on the exterior mirror brackets. Which action should the driver take to maintain vehicle stability and safety?

  1. A
    Switch the engine retarder to its highest setting to slow the vehicle quickly without using service foundation brakes.
  2. B
    Maintain the standard four-second following interval while periodically applying firm brake pressure to test tire grip.
  3. Ease off the throttle gradually, disengage the engine retarder, and reduce speed while substantially increasing following distance.Answer
  4. D
    Maintain cruising speed provided all drive tires meet the 2/32-inch minimum tread depth specified for steer axle operation.

Answer

Ease off the throttle gradually, disengage the engine retarder, and reduce speed while substantially increasing following distance.
When spray thrown by vehicle tires ceases and ice builds on exterior mirrors, it indicates that road spray has frozen into black ice. Safe CDL winter operation requires the driver to ease off the throttle smoothly, turn off all engine retarders to prevent drive-axle lockup, decelerate significantly, and expand following distance to manage extended stopping requirements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify environmental indicators of black ice formation.
The cessation of water spray from tires and ice accumulation on mirror brackets signify that surface moisture has frozen into transparent glaze (black ice).
Recognizing early cues of icing allows the driver to take preventive action before vehicle control is compromised.
2
Determine the required vehicle handling adjustments for icy pavement.
Deactivate auxiliary braking systems (engine retarders), ease off the accelerator smoothly, and adjust traveling speed downward.
Retarder torque on slippery surfaces causes drive wheels to lose traction, leading directly to jackknife events.
3
Adjust space management to accommodate extended stopping distances.
Multiply following distance to provide adequate stopping buffer on reduced-friction surfaces.
Stopping distance on ice can be substantially greater than on dry pavement, necessitating a larger safety cushion.

Key Concept

Recognition of black ice indicators and vehicle speed, space, and retarder management during winter driving.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Winter Driving

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