Cars are powerful machines, but they’re not invincible. When you add bad weather to the mix, things like heaters, wipers, and traction control can’t do their job. You must minimise the risks of driving in snow and ice by following these safety tips. Here are the bad weather safety tips.
- Boost Your Visibility Before Heading Out On The Road.
Turn on your headlights and use high beams when there is no traffic around. Turn on daytime running lights if your vehicle has them; they’re designed to provide increased visibility when it’s foggy or dark outside. Also, buy fog lamp for car for visibility increase.
- It Is Important To Slow Down
Following too closely in heavy rain or snow can cause drivers to skid out of control. As a result, a vehicle is more likely to slide in front of another if it’s not travelling at a steady speed. For added safety, drivers should follow the recommended speed limits for road conditions. Remember that your safety is in your hands and therefore, car accessories online buy is important.
- Steer Clear Of Hills And Declines
Slippery roads can cause drivers to lose control. This happens especially when driving over black ice or in areas with traffic on the road. Other hazardous areas include shoulders and guardrails, where airbags might not deploy appropriately if occupants start sliding during an accident.
- Watch For Obstacles on the Road
Hazardous road conditions often occur during storms, when the debris is blown off the side of the road and onto traffic lanes. Debris can be anything from a piece of wood to a broken tree branch. Also, it can lead to punctured tires or accidents that cause personal injury. Therefore, be careful in bad weather.
- Don’t Drive On Frozen Lakes Or Ponds
Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can still drive on frozen lakes and ponds when they’re covered with ice, but this can be very dangerous. Lakes will often freeze over unevenly; some parts might be thick enough to drive on while others are not. This leads to deadly conditions if a vehicle starts sinking into ice too quickly.
- Don’t Forget The Windshield Wiper Fluid
In the winter, it’s essential to keep your vehicle’s fluids topped off so you can see clearly while driving. If your windshield wipers leave streaks on the glass or slush on your hood, then there’s a good chance that something is wrong with your wiper fluid or winter-grade washer fluid. So, do not forget it, as this is one of the most critical bad weather safety tips.
- Don’t tailgate Your Car
Tailgating is always a bad idea, and it can lead to deadly accidents. For example, tailgating often leads drivers to fail to notice sharp turns or lane changes that the driver ahead didn’t make. Unfortunately, this could lead to drivers skidding out of control or even causing an accident.
- Be Extra Cautious When Driving At Dusk and the Night
Driving at night can lead to accidents that are almost impossible to see in poor weather conditions. Drivers should always drive extra carefully when it’s dark outside, and they should slow down in bad weather. This will ensure a safe journey.
- Stay On Main Roads, and Avoid Secondary Highways When Possible
Secondary highways are often smaller and harder to navigate due to shorter sight distances and lesser visibility. These roads may not have as much room for oncoming vehicles or emergency lane marking signs indicating an obstruction in the roadway. So, be careful
- Change Into Firmer Tires Before Winter Hits
Even though it is much easier to drive your vehicle with all-season tires, remember that they are designed for milder weather conditions only. So, it should be replaced with more durable ones when the temperature drops below freezing levels at night and in the morning.
- Keep Emergency Supplies Ready
A good emergency kit should include a blanket, warm clothes, a small shovel and a flashlight. Pack an extra cell phone battery or charger and keep it in the glove compartment of your car so you can charge your cell phone battery when you are on the go. Make sure you know how to properly use the equipment in case of an accident or emergency that may come up while you are on the road
- Keep Your Car’s Gas Tank At Least Half Full during Cold Months
During a snowstorm, ensure your gas tank is at least half full so that you can run the heater. If you need to warm up the car, gas your tank first and then use your key fob to start the vehicle. That way, you won’t burn any gas before it’s heated enough to provide comfort.
Conclusion
All in all, getting to your destination safely is very important. Stay safe on the road this winter, and be sure to follow these bad weather safety tips. Visit Carorbis for the best car accessories.
