“Driving under Bad Weather Conditions” Different types of weather call for different driving skills and may lead to very difficult and dangerous driving conditions. There are many weather conditions, depending on where you are; some tips on how to stay safe in extreme weather conditions may include all or some of the following:-
"Driving under Bad Weather Conditions”
Different types of weather call for different driving skills and may lead to very difficult and dangerous driving conditions. There are many weather conditions, depending on where you are; some tips on how to stay safe in extreme weather conditions may include all or some of the following:-
Driving under Heavy Rain, this may call for a lot of thinking. It rains so often in this country that it is really easy to become normal routine and one need to be comfortable with driving on wet slippery surfaces. When the rain first comes down it combines with fuel spilt on the road, soot, dust, and debris from tyres and cars, and the result can be a slick road surface that can lead to the driver slipping and sliding all dangerously all over the road. It is advisable to Slow Down.
It seems obvious, but your tyres will have far less grip than in the dry so do keep your speeds down. Travelling too fast in wet weather can also result in what is known as aquaplaning. This happens when a layer of water forms between the road surface and your tyres. Effectively, your tyres are not touching the road and you will lose control over your steering and braking.
Increase Stopping Distances
Increase the distance in between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. You can expect to need to double your stopping distances in heavy rain. Reduce the pressure on the pedals In particular, this concerns the brake pedal.
When slowing down, ease off your accelerator and slow down gradually to avoid skidding and losing control.
Slamming on the brakes will increase the likelihood of you going into an uncontrollable skid and ending up in an accident.
It is highly recommended to turn on your headlights. Rain and spray will reduce visibility, and turning on your headlights will also make you more visible to other drivers in gloomy conditions.
Flooded Roads, don’t take risks, don’t try to drive over a flooded road, if at all possible, turn back and find another way. Don’t Underestimate The Power of Water, Remember that half a metre of water, moving quickly, is enough to float a car.
Slow moving water is capable of sweeping a car off a road or bridge. Driving into a flooded road may expose you the risk of drowning; in case the bridge has been washed away, you will drive into a river!
Abandon ship if Water Rises, If you are driving and you notice water rising rapidly in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately and run for a safer place out of the water.
If you have to drive through floodwater, move slowly in first gear, keeping the engine speed high to prevent it stalling and to keep water from backing up the exhaust. Do this if there is no other way out!
Snow and Ice, In countries where it snows, Snow can be dangerous, because many people may just not used to it.
The first fall of snow is the most dangerous if the roads haven’t yet been gritted, but ice is even worse because sometimes you just can’t see it. When water runs onto the road, or forms a pool, it will turn to black ice, and this can be incredibly hard to spot, especially on corners and roundabouts where shadows from the road can hide it even more.
Carefully defrost your Car before you drive your car away, check that you have cleared all the snow from your windows and windscreen, and that you can see in your mirrors clearly.
Also make sure that your lights are clear and are not covered by snow. This said and done, check your grip when you start driving, find a quiet, safe place as soon as you can and brake gently, testing your grip on the road.
Drive slowly and carefully, and make sure your stopping distances are increased appropriately. Treat Bends with Caution and break slowly and increase the pressure gradually as you approach a bend and be ultra-careful on roundabouts as these are like one big bend when it comes to icy conditions.