Friction and Fluidity (Driving in Extreme Weather)
Nature is the ultimate disruptor of traffic flow. Whether it is the "black ice" of a northern winter or the "hydroplaning" of a tropical downpour, weather shifts the relationship between the tire and the road. At its core, driving is an exercise in managing friction. When water or ice enters the equation, the coefficient of friction drops, and the vehicle begins to act more like a projectile than a controlled machine.
The most dangerous moment in a rainstorm is actually the first ten minutes. This is when the rain mixes with oil and dust on the pavement to create a "greasy" film that is more slippery than a heavy flood. An expert driver understands that in these conditions, steering and braking should never be done simultaneously. Every input must be smooth and deliberate. To "drive for the conditions" is to humble oneself before the elements, acknowledging that no amount of vehicle technology can override the basic laws of physics
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