Wyoming · Handbook chapter 9 · 3 min read

The IPDE method, scanning, communicating, following distances, tailgaters, space cushions, separating and compromising risks, night driving, fog, rain, snow, ice, wind, blizzards and Wyoming winter tips.

Why this chapter matters

Wyoming weather can turn a dry road icy within minutes. Defensive habits and bigger space cushions are your best protection.

IPDE

• Identify critical objects: anything that could make you slow, speed up or turn.
• Predict the worst they could do.
• Decide how to avoid a crash.
• Execute smoothly and in time.

Scan 10 to 15 seconds ahead, scan the roadsides, make eye contact, signal 4 to 5 seconds before turning and tap your brakes early.

Following distance

Allow two seconds per 20 feet of vehicle length: buses four, tractor-trailers six. If tailgated, move right or slow down to let them pass.

Space and risk

Avoid being boxed in, stay out of blind spots and keep space from parked cars. Separate risks so you meet them one at a time; when you cannot, compromise by giving the most room to the greatest danger.

Night

• Headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and whenever you cannot see 1,000 feet.
• Never drive on parking lights.
• Dim 500 feet before meeting oncoming traffic and within 300 feet behind another vehicle.

Weather

• Fog: low beams; rear fog lights only in heavy fog. A speed gap of more than 15 mph with other traffic is very dangerous. If you cannot see 10 seconds ahead, consider pulling off.
• Rain: double your following distance; the first half hour is slickest. Slow down to prevent hydroplaning.
• Snow and ice: triple or quadruple your space, never lock the brakes and never use cruise control.
• Wind: especially dangerous for trucks, RVs and trailers; be ready to correct steering.

Wyoming winter

• Black ice forms on bridges, overpasses, high fills, deep cuts, shaded areas and near snow fences.
• Start slowly, with wheels straight; second gear can help.
• Pump conventional brakes about once a second; do not pump ABS.
• In a skid, gently turn into it and ease off the gas.
• In a ground blizzard, keep moving slowly; to find the road, look out the downwind side for the stripe or edge.
• If a car spins out on an icy hill, stay in line and wait for a plow.
• Stranded in a blizzard: stay with the car, crack a window, run the engine sparingly with the exhaust clear, keep moving your limbs, use flashers and the dome light, and take turns sleeping.