INDIANA FIELD GUIDE
Weather, night & alertness.
Adjust to what you can see and how well your tires can grip.
Rain can put a layer of water, oil, and dirt between tires and the road. Hydroplaning risk increases with speed. Slow down for standing water, heavy rain, and slush, and keep tires in good condition. Never drive into floodwater or around a road-closed barricade.
In fog, reduce speed and use low beams. At night, reduce your normal speed, especially on unfamiliar roads. To limit glare, look toward the right side of the roadway instead of directly into approaching headlights.
Keep these in mind.
- Bridges, ramps, and overpasses may freeze before surrounding road surfaces. Clear windows before driving and leave room behind snowplows.
- Use headlights between sunset and sunrise and whenever visibility is less than 500 feet. Dim to low beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 200 feet when following.
- With ABS, keep firm continuous pressure on the brake pedal and steer normally. Do not pump the brakes.
- If you are drowsy, stop in a safe place and rest or have a rested person drive. Alcohol and many medicines can impair judgment and coordination.
Rules and worked examples.
Driving rules below summarize the official manual. Safety recommendations explain its practical guidance; example numbers are not additional legal requirements.
Driving rule
Headlight distances are specific
Use headlights between sunset and sunrise and whenever visibility is less than 500 feet. Use low beams within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.
Example. At night you approach another car from behind. Before you are within 200 feet, switch to low beams. In fog, use low beams and reduce speed; high beams can reflect back and reduce visibility.
Why it matters. Headlights help you see and be seen, while dimming avoids blinding other drivers.
Official manual: page 44
Safety recommendation
Rain, ice, and floodwater require different responses
Slow down for rain, standing water, slush, or ice and allow more space. Bridges and overpasses can freeze first. Do not enter water covering the road or drive around a road-closed barricade.
Example. The road is wet and a bridge lies ahead near freezing temperatures. Ease off the accelerator before the bridge and avoid abrupt steering or braking. If water covers the roadway farther on, turn around using a safe, legal route.
Why it matters. Wet pavement reduces grip; floodwater can hide a washed-out road. More speed makes hydroplaning more likely.
Safety recommendation
ABS: firm pressure, not pumping
For a vehicle with an anti-lock brake system, maintain firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal while steering normally. Do not pump ABS brakes. Pedal vibration or mechanical sounds can indicate ABS operation.
Example. You brake hard in an ABS-equipped car and feel the pedal pulse. Keep firm pressure rather than repeatedly releasing the pedal. Know your vehicle’s braking equipment before an emergency.
Why it matters. ABS is designed to help prevent wheel lockup while you brake and steer.
Official manual: page 42
Driving rule
Phones and drowsiness take away reaction time
The manual describes Indiana’s prohibition on using a telecommunications device while driving, with exceptions for enabled hands-free communication or a bona fide 911 emergency. Additional restrictions apply to probationary drivers under 21, including hands-free use except for a 911 emergency. Do not drive when too tired to stay alert.
Example. A navigation message arrives while you are moving. Leave the device alone and stop in a safe place before changing it. If you are missing exits or cannot remember the last few miles, stop safely and rest or let a rested person drive.
Why it matters. Hands-free does not mean distraction-free. Eyes, hands, and attention all matter when traffic changes.