Inclement Weather Driving Tips
by Kaitiln on February 12, 2009
Driving in rain, snow or ice can be extremely tricky. Not every tip will work 100% of the time, so stay cautious and attentive, especially when driving in inclememt weather.
Tips for driving in rain:
Drive more slowly than usual. On the highway hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 miles an hour.
Back off from the person’s bumper in front of you. You should allow a five second gap between cars. This is a wider gap than the usual suggested three second gap. This will give you more time to react when something in front of you happens and your vision is impaired because of the water on the windshield.
Replace your wipers whenever you see that they are not clearing your windshield properly. Don’t wait until you are in a storm to replace them.
Turn on your headlights; this will alert other drivers to your presence.
Tips for driving in snow and ice:
Follow the tips for driving in rain and,
Don’t be arrogant, even if you are in a 4-wheel drive vehicle (after the next snow storm look at the number of SUVs that have skidded off the road), it is better to be safe than calling a tow truck.
Give yourself more than plenty of time to come to a stop; the slower your going the more control you will have and the less likely you will be to start skidding.
If you find yourself starting to slide, immediately remove your foot from the accelerator, slowly pump the brakes and turn into the slide. if you have anti-lock brakes then you should slowly and gently put pressure on the brakes and don’t pump them.
Watch for black ice conditions. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees then it is possible for the pavement to be icey.
If you live in an area that gets snow or ice during the winter, then remember to keep a warm coat and a blanket in the car. If you get stranded or the weather doesn’t allow you to get out of your vehicle and get to a warm place, then you will stay warm for a longer period of time.
Don’t panic. Be calm and steady.
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