Highly windy and rainy conditions obviously do not make for a joy ride in your vehicle. You need to be careful when you are driving and slow down. But to be safe on the road, you also need your car to be equipped with good gear.
They require some good safety tools especially windshield wipers and working bright headlights to improve visibility. Don’t drive on rough weather when it’s snowing or pouring heavily. Go out only if it is absolutely necessary.
We have come up with some safe driving tips which will come in handy during rainy, snowy and foggy conditions.
Safe Driving in Snowy Conditions
- Go Slow
In snowy conditions, slow down and reduce your speed by about the 10mph below the maximum speed limit. Slow down further till you feel you have good control over the vehicle.
- Watch out for Black Ice
Black ice is a thin layer of ice that gets formed on the roads or bridges during extremely cold weather. It is not black in itself but transparent and black is the colour of the road underneath the ice which we can see. Black is often not easily visible and may prove dangerous as it creates very slippery conditions.
- Don’t Tailgate
Maintain a considerable distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you so that in case that person slows down you have enough time and room to slow down yourself and avoid crashing into that vehicle. Your headlights must be functioning properly so you can see what’s ahead of you.
- Don’t brake at a turn
Apply the brakes slightly before a turn and gently steer the wheel and avoid doing so during the turn so the vehicle doesn’t skid. If you put the brakes and simultaneously turn the wheel, the vehicle might get out of control.
Safe Driving in Rainy Conditions
- Slow Down
Driving at high speeds can sometimes cause the vehicle to run on a layer of water instead of the firm road thus leading to skidding and instability
- Don’t drive through flooded areas
When an area is flooded with water, you will not be able to ascertain the water’s depth which is quite risky in itself and also, if the water seeps into your car engine, it will immediately stop working and you will be stuck.
- Apply slight brakes after negotiating a water puddle
Slightly feathering the brakes after you have driven through a puddle will help dry the brakes as it creates friction and heat.
Safe Driving in Foggy Conditions
- Use Fog lights
Fog lights are generally yellow which penetrates the fog and is easily visible than white light. Moreover, they are closer to the ground which lights up the road as well. They can be operated just like a normal headlight at the press of a switch
- Put the brakes prior to entering a foggy area
Putting brakes before you enter dense fog will alert the vehicles behind you to slow down. That’s because, once you enter the thick fog visibility may reduce to almost zero and even if you apply the brakes, the vehicle following you may not be able to notice it and instead of slowing down may bump into your vehicle.
- Drive carefully on hills
Hilly roads are full of steep curves and slopes and they are most likely to be covered with fog. It calls for some extra precaution and care.
Some General Tips
Here are some general tips you can follow while driving through rough weather
- Check the essential car components like, battery, windshield wipers, tires etc.
- Ensure your headlights are in proper working condition and keep them switched on in rain and fog.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front so that you don’t collide in case of a sudden halt.
- Slowing down is the best advice one can give when driving in rough weather. Going slow gives you more reaction time and also avoids skidding or slipping in times of sudden braking.
