Getting on the road under bad weather conditions can be a challenge, especially because most drivers underestimate the effect that bad weather conditions have on the road and on the drivers themselves. Bad weather (of all kinds) can cause many problems for anybody caught by surprise out on the road. Here are a number of tips and tricks that you can use in order to stay safe.
- Make sure your headlights are on. Keeping your headlights on, other drivers can see you easily and the risk of crash under harsh weather may be reduced significantly.
- Give other cars more space. Add 1-2 extra seconds of following time, which gives you and the cars behind you, more time to react.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you end up trapped in your car, having water, snacks, medical supplies, flashlights, and a cell phone charger may help you hold until you can get out or help comes.
- If you need to pull over, do it. If you cannot see a safe distance ahead, you should not be driving. Your visibility is going to be affected by
extreme weather conditions, and it is best to be safe and pull over until the conditions improve. - Slow down. Braking takes longer on slippery roads. the slower you go, the easier it will be for you to stay in control and stop the car if necessary.
- Avoid driving through areas where it’s flooded. Knowing the depth of the water is very difficult. Six inches of water is enough to cause a vehicle’s tires to lose traction and slide.
It is imperative that under bad weather conditions, you drive carefully and defensively. Getting somewhere late is better than not getting there at all.
If you ever get involved in an accident, please contact us. Our consultations are free of cost!
Citation Nation
Sources:
https://www.arrivealive.mobi/safe-driving-in-bad-weather-conditions
https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/driving-in-heavy-rain-and-wind
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/safe-driving-tips