Mountain driving

Some hazards you should be aware of are steep hills, changing weather, wildlife, and rocks in the roadway. If your vehicle experiences difficulty traveling up steep roadways, pull off the road at the first place you may do so safely, or stay in the right lane to allow other vehicles to pass. Here are some added tips:

• Pay special attention to speed limit signs and warning signs, such as those warning of curves, steep hills, or other hazards.
• Watch for bicyclists near the right edge of the road.
• Use lower gear to control speeds while going up or down long, steep hills.
• You must yield to vehicles going uphill if you are traveling downhill on a narrow road.
• Do not coast downhill by shifting into neutral or disengaging the clutch.

The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. Some people may react to the decrease in oxygen. They may develop mild symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Remember, insufficient hydration can lead to the onset of symptoms of altitude sickness. Even if they are mild, they can affect your alertness as a driver.

Rural driving

When driving in rural or country areas, there are a number of special situations that require attention. Watch for driveways, farm equipment, railroad crossings that might not be marked, and bridges that are narrow and poorly surfaced. Some intersections may be hidden by trees, brush, and crops. Animals sometimes are found wandering along the roadway. Extra care and slower speeds should be used when driving on gravel roads because of the reduced traction due to the road surface. The road surface can be affected by loose gravel, slippery conditions after rain or snow, ruts in the driving lanes, and washboard conditions. When approaching oncoming vehicles, watch for soft shoulders or the absence of shoulders.

Safety around snowplows

When you see lights from a snow plow, slow down and use caution.

• During and after winter storms, the process of snow and ice removal is almost continuous until the streets and highways are back to normal conditions. When approaching snow removal equipment, be aware of the following:
• Snow removal equipment may result in snow restricting visibility. Pass only if the roadway ahead can clearly be seen. Extreme caution should be used when passing.
• Snow removal equipment may leave ridges of snow making passing hazardous.
• Occasionally, the weight of the plowed snow may cause the snow removal equipment to skid.
• Maintain a safe following distance from snow removal equipment. Flying sand and chunks of ice and snow can damage vehicles.
• Maintain a following distance of 100 feet from snow removal equipment or other maintenance vehicles while working on roadways, except to pass.