Rural roads, winter driving and trailers

Key points

1. On gravel or dirt, reduce speed and increase following distance because traction is reduced.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-5

   “Traction can be reduced on gravel or dirt roads. You should reduce your speed, increase your following distance”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-5

2. On narrow or single lane bridges, take turns. The first driver to the bridge generally has the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-5

   “Take turns crossing a bridge; generally, the first driver to the bridge has the right-of-way.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-5

3. At an uncontrolled rural intersection, slow down and be ready to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-6

   “When approaching an uncontrolled rural intersection, slow down and be prepared to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-6

4. Bridges, overpasses and little used roads tend to freeze first.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-6

   “Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roadways because they tend to freeze first.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-6

5. Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-7

   “Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-7

6. Put 60 percent of a trailer's cargo weight in front and 40 percent in back.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-10

   “Sixty percent of the cargo weight of a trailer should go in the front (nearest the towing vehicle) and 40 percent in the back.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-10

7. If a trailer sways, steer straight and slow down gradually. Do not apply the brakes.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-10

   “If the trailer begins to sway or whip, steer straight and reduce speed gradually; do not apply the brakes.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-10

8. The maximum recommended speed for most vehicle and trailer combinations is 55 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-11

   “The maximum recommended speed for most vehicle-trailer combinations is 55 mph.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-11

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. Who generally has the right-of-way on a narrow or single-lane bridge?

   1. The vehicle closest to the bridge center
   2. The driver traveling at the higher speed
   3. The larger vehicle in every case
   4. The driver who reaches the bridge first
   Show answer

   The driver who reaches the bridge first. On a narrow or single-lane bridge, the manual says drivers generally take turns and the first driver to reach the bridge has the right-of-way. Speed does not create priority, and vehicle size is not the deciding rule. The driver approaching second should slow, watch the bridge entrance, and wait rather than forcing two vehicles into a space that cannot accommodate them. Reduce speed early because a warning sign, limited sight distance, or bridge surface may require extra control. The cue is first to the bridge, then proceed carefully and give the other driver room.

2. 2. How should cargo weight be distributed in a trailer, according to the South Carolina manual?

   1. Sixty percent in the front nearest the towing vehicle and 40 percent in the back
   2. Evenly, half and half
   3. Most of it in the back
   4. All of it over the rear axle
   Show answer

   Sixty percent in the front nearest the towing vehicle and 40 percent in the back. Trailers must be loaded heavier in the front: sixty percent of the cargo weight should go in the front nearest the towing vehicle and 40 percent in the back. Failure to load the trailer front heavy is a leading cause of trailer mishaps because it causes sway. If the trailer begins to sway, steer straight and reduce speed gradually without braking.

3. 3. What is the maximum recommended speed for most vehicle and trailer combinations in South Carolina?

   1. 70 mph
   2. 45 mph
   3. 55 mph
   4. The posted limit plus 5
   Show answer

   55 mph. Drive more slowly when towing. The maximum recommended speed for most vehicle and trailer combinations is 55 mph, which saves fuel and reduces the chance of losing control, and you must never exceed the posted limit. Reduce speed further when conditions worsen, keep plenty of clear highway ahead, and never pass on hills or curves with a trailer, since the extra weight lengthens every maneuver.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 11: Special Driving Situations. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.