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Yearly record claims thousands of road accidents are due to bad weather. Driving in an unfavorable weather is relatively dangerous than ever. So, it is the most crucial thing to follow safe driving methods in extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, ice, sleet and fog.
In dry weather, engine oil and grease forms a thin layer on the roads over a period of time, these oil and grease mix with rain and makes road slippery. First few rains would be dangerous; then oil will get wash away.
Accidents caused in bad weather are preventable but are caused more frequently. This is due to the drivers who are not cautious about the driving in fair and foul weather.
Here are some tips for driving in bad weather:
Start a bit earlier: It is very necessary to check the weather report before leaving. Give more time for driving. Consequences of bad weather cause low visibility. Therefore, you need to slow down your speed to half, which takes longer time to reach the destination. Carry a route map, it shows alternate ways to reach destination very fast if necessary.
Apply brake slower & earlier: Apply Brake with less force and earlier than usual. This lets the larger room between your car and car in front, this also signals the drivers who are behind you, so that they can be more cautious. Be meticulous about giving turn signals so that other drivers comes to know your intention. Take curves & turns with lesser speed than in dry condition.
Turn on low Beams in Fog: Whether it is a Day or a Night, turn on low Beam headlights while driving in Fog. Low beam lights not only helps you to see but also other motorist to see you. High beam lights may blur your visibility further. Be careful to maintain larger distance and to drive slowly, as it is hard to see things like other cars, traffic signals or pedestrians until you reach nearer to it.
Get Weather update from Radio: Turn on the radio station which gives the information about road condition. It may offer the alternate routes or may give information about the road clots or road jams etc. Remember to keep radio on low volume as to avoid distraction; it is very important to be meticulous while driving in a bad weather.
Wear seatbelt: Confirm that all the passengers of your car are wearing seat belts before leaving. Therefore, you are not only following the law but also keeping your family out of danger. Need to wear seatbelt all the time, especially when the weather is not good it is compulsory.
Don't hesitate to Pull Over: Pull over, if you are tried or if you want to clean the car. Pulling over is better than getting in an accident. If the weather is more worst, it is better to pull over at the safe place until you receive any help.
Drive around or choose another route if you see the stagnant water on the road. This is to avoid water splash-up into the car engine, which could damage the internal electrical system.
Make sure to winterize your vehicle
- Buy a new pair of tires in winter or use earlier used winter tires. They have a good tread built in, which helps to move on roads filled with ice or water with great relief. Winter tires will go for 2-3 winters and also increases the life of your normal tires.
- Replace the wiper blades, a working heat and defroster system, anti-freezing oil and safe brakes.
- Keep cell phone, an extra key in your purse, flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, an ice scraper, snow shovel, lock deicer, chains for tires, food and water and emergency phone number.
- Keep the car in the garage to protect it from ice. Therefore it reduces the risk of ice buildup over it.
- If you break down on the way, you can contact the auto club and get free emergency services; roadside provided you have a membership with them.
- Make sure to have a sufficient insurance coverage as winter weather raises the risk of accidents.