Florida Drivers Handbook |
3.12. Animals
Animals
Wild and domestic animals may move unpredictably
towards or across the travel path of an approaching motor
vehicle. When an animal is seen in the road or on the road
shoulder, you should slow down and, if necessary, yield
the right-of-way. Be especially careful in rural areas at
night. Often an animal’s eyes shining in the headlight
beams will be seen first.
Use reasonable care when approaching a person who is riding
or leading an animal on the roadway or shoulder of the road.
Horses have poor side vision and are easily frightened by
loud noises or sudden movements.
Fog or Smoke
It is best not to drive in fog or smoke. If you
must, slow down, turn on your low beam headlights, and be
ready for a fast stop. Use windshield wipers in heavy fog.
If the fog or smoke becomes so thick that you cannot see
well enough to keep driving, pull all the way off the pavement
and stop. Turn on your emergency flashers.
Rain
The first few drops of rain mean danger. Roads are most
slippery just after the rain begins because oil dropped
from cars has not been washed away. Slow down and plan for
at least two times the normal stopping distance.
In a heavy rain, your tires can ride on a thin film of water,
like skis. This is called hydroplaning. When your tires
are not touching the road, you can easily lose control and
skid. Keep your tires on the road by slowing down when it
rains, and by having tires with the right air pressure and
good tread.
Brakes often become wet after driving through deep water
or driving in heavy rain. They may pull to one side or the
other, or they may not hold at all. If this happens, slow
down and gently push on the brake pedal until your brakes
are working again.
Reduced Visibility
You must turn on your low beam (dim) headlights when driving
between sunset and sunrise, including the twilight hours
between sunset and sunrise or between full night and sunrise.
You must also use these lights during any rain, smoke or
fog. Parking lights do not meet requirements of this law.
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