Night driving, slippery roads, skids and hydroplaning

Key points

1. At night, drive at a speed that lets you stop within the glow of your headlights, usually 400 feet.

   Source: PDF page 66

   “Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop within the glow of your headlights (usually 400 feet).”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 66

2. Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses at night or on overcast days.

   Source: PDF page 67

   “Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses when driving at night or on overcast days.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 67

3. If rain starts on a hot day, the road can be very slippery for the first few minutes.

   Source: PDF page 68

   “If it starts to rain on a hot day, the pavement can be very slippery for the first few minutes.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 68

4. Use snow tires or chains when required.

   Source: PDF page 68

   “Snowy roads will require a larger following distance and dramatically reduced speed. Use snow tires or chains when it’s required.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 68

5. Bridges and overpasses can be icy even when the rest of the road is not.

   Source: PDF page 69

   “Overpasses and other types of bridges can have icy spots even when the rest of the road doesn’t.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 69

6. In a skid, steer in the same direction your vehicle is moving.

   Source: PDF page 69

   “Steer in the same direction your vehicle is moving. Continue to correct your steering.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 69

7. The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow down when the road is wet.

   Source: PDF page 69

   “The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow down when the road is wet.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 69

8. If you hydroplane, take your foot off the accelerator and gently press the brakes.

   Source: PDF page 69

   “If you hydroplane, it is important to do the following: Take your foot off the accelerator. Gently press the brakes.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 69

9. Reduce your speed before entering a curve.

   Source: PDF page 67

   “Reduce your speed before entering the curve.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 67

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Washington practice test

1. 1. What is the best way to reduce the risk of hydroplaning on a wet road?

   1. Slow down
   2. Increase speed to cross the water quickly
   3. Brake hard whenever water covers the roadway
   4. Turn the steering wheel rapidly to find traction
   Show answer

   Slow down. Hydroplaning occurs when water builds between the tires and road, reducing traction and making the vehicle feel as if it is floating. The guide identifies slowing down on a wet road as the best prevention. Speeding increases the chance that the tires will lose contact, while hard braking and rapid steering can worsen instability. Watch for standing water, reduce speed before reaching it, and keep your movements smooth. If the vehicle does begin to hydroplane, avoid jerking the wheel and wait calmly for traction to return.

2. 2. At night, what speed does the Washington guide say to keep?

   1. A speed that lets you stop within the glow of your headlights, usually about 400 feet
   2. The posted limit regardless of visibility
   3. 10 mph under the limit
   4. A speed that lets you stop within 100 feet
   Show answer

   A speed that lets you stop within the glow of your headlights, usually about 400 feet. It is harder to see at night, so drive at a speed that will allow you to stop within the glow of your headlights, usually about 400 feet. Use high beams when there are no oncoming vehicles, switch to low beams for approaching traffic and when following, and avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights. Keep your eyes moving across the road ahead.

3. 3. What does the Washington guide say about snow tires and chains?

   1. They are never required in Washington
   2. Chains may only be used on the rear wheels
   3. Use snow tires or chains when it is required, and chains or studded tires improve winter traction
   4. They are only for trucks
   Show answer

   Use snow tires or chains when it is required, and chains or studded tires improve winter traction. Snowy roads require a larger following distance and dramatically reduced speed, and the guide says to use snow tires or chains when required. During winter months you can improve traction by adding chains or changing to studded tires. Avoid icy roads when possible; if you must drive on them, slow down and leave extra space. Shady spots, overpasses and bridges freeze first.

Source: the Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), Chapter 5: Hazards. 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.