Of the many hazards drivers face on the roadways the one that is out of their control is the daily weather. Granted, for months at a time most of us enjoy driving without concern for road conditions. But throughout the winter months and into the spring many of us find ourselves making our daily commute in inclement weather. Be it rain, snow, ice, hail, fog or sleet there are steps drivers can take to better ensure their safety.
The first and most obvious suggestion for drivers is to stay off the roads in bad weather if at all possible. If you are only planning a leisurely shopping trip and six inches of snow are predicted then perhaps your better option is to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book until the worst of the storm passes and the roads are fairly cleared. However, if your job or other circumstance requires you to venture out onto less than perfect driving conditions then take some time to consider the following safe driving tips.
Don’t wait for bad weather to set in before ensuring that your car is in good working order. Have regular safety checkups to ensure such things as wipers, car horn, tires, headlights, hazard lights and other car parts do not need replaced. As well, don’t make it a habit of driving on an empty gas tank. Running out of gas in good weather is bad enough but in bad weather it poses a greater risk to yourself and other drivers. Too, keep your headlights on during the day in bad weather – you are more visible to the drivers around you that way – and use fog or low lights in heavy fog.
Next, if your car is not parked in an enclosed structure but sits out in the open then a few ‘preparation’ steps may be in order. If your automobile is covered in snow or ice then start it up and turn on all defrosters. Never drive until all windows and mirrors are perfectly clear – to do otherwise makes you a danger not only to yourselves but your fellow drivers with whom you share the road. Clear snow off the top of the car – otherwise it may slide unexpectedly onto the front or back window and instantly obstruct your view. In addition, clear the snow from the front and back fenders to ensure the headlights and brake lights are visible to the other drivers.
If you must go out onto snowy and icy roads before salt trucks and plows have had an opportunity to clear the roads follow these safety precautions. The first thing to remember is to drive slowly and leave 3 times the amount of space between your car and the one in front of you than needed in good weather. Never slam on your brakes in snow and ice because it will cause your wheels to lock up and send you into a spin. Instead brake gently. Use your lower gears for better traction and take extra caution on overpasses and bridges. Finally, don’t pass snow plows and salt trucks because the drivers have limited visibility and may not be able to see you.
Once on the roadways use the safety devices that are standard in your vehicle to keep the other drivers informed of your intention. That means use your turn signals – and put them on in plenty of time for other drivers to understand your objectives. If a driver passes you on the highway flash your lights to let them know when it is safe to return to the lane in front of you. If a driver is engaging in any type of reckless behavior use your horn to get their attention and then motor safely away from them. If the behavior is too dangerous then take their license plate number and call “911”. Better to be safe than to be sorry.
If you find yourself driving in a hard rain be aware that vehicles have a potential to hydroplane in these conditions. This occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road surface causing a loss of traction which prevents the car from responding to the driver as he or she tries to accelerate, stop or steer. Instead, the car goes into an uncontrollable slide. Tires are grooved to allow for the dispersion of water as it moves down the road. However, when there is a great amount of water on the road then water pressure builds up in front of the tire forcing a wedge of rain into the leading edge of the tire and actually lifting it off the road. Now the tire is skating, more or less, on the water with no part of the tire in direct contact with the road. To minimize your chances of becoming a victim of hydroplaning make sure your tires have a good amount of tread on them – and slow down on wet roadways leaving extra room between you and the drivers around you.
Driving in fog comes with its own unique concerns so be sure to heed the following safety tips. Always drive with lights on low beam – your high beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more. Be sure to reduce your speed as well-- and watch your speedometer because fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding. You should listen for traffic you cannot see, too by opening your window a little, to hear better. Always use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility and stay to the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide. Finally, pack your patience and do not pass lines of traffic.
Lastly, put together an emergency kit and keep it stored in your trunk. It should include things like bottled water and energy bars, a flashlight, flares, and blankets among other things and never walk out of your house without being sure your phone is completely charged. A cell phone won’t do you any good in an emergency if it’s dead. Drive safely.
Author Resource:
Greg Baumgartner is a " target="_blank">http://www.texastriallawyers.com"> Texas truck accident lawyer and the founder or the Baumgartner Firm a "> Houston personal injury law firm with a proven track record of success in handling high profile Texas 18 wheeler accidents.
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