Rural road hazards — Maine Permit Test

Gravel and dirt roads give less traction, so slow down and increase your following distance on them.

Loose stones roll under the tires, so a hard stop on gravel can turn into a skid.

There is less traction on gravel or dirt roads.

On narrow rural roads, which may have ditches or drop-offs instead of shoulders, slow down and center your vehicle in your lane.

A wheel that slips off the edge of a narrow road can drop into a ditch and pull the car with it.

Slow down and center your vehicle in your lane.

At a single-lane bridge, the first driver to reach the bridge has the right-of-way, and drivers take turns crossing.

Two cars that both start onto a one-lane bridge meet in the middle with nowhere to go.

When crossing a single lane bridge the first driver to the bridge has right-of-way.

On open bridge gratings or steel bridges, reduce your speed, increase your following distance and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

A steel grate pulls at the tires, and a loose grip lets the car wander toward the rail.

Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

Uncontrolled intersections have no traffic lights, stop signs or yield signs; approach them with caution, slow down and be ready to stop.

With no sign to stop anyone, a car on the side road may pull out in front of you without looking.

Approach them with caution.

What should you do when driving on a gravel or dirt road?

Slow down and leave more following distance. Loose stones roll under the tires, so a hard stop on gravel can turn into a skid. Maine Driver’s License Manual, p.114: “There is less traction on gravel or dirt roads.”