Driving in bad weather requires increased vigilance. Indeed,bad weather is responsible for many serious vehicle accidents. Below are some of the safety tips of driving safely in bad weather to arrive at your destination safely and avoid the need for an auto accident lawyer.
1. Plan the trip.
Before starting the trip,it is worth checking the weather to know what the weather will be like. It is advisable to inform yourself by looking at the social media platforms such as Twitter about the state of the roads and look for safe routes not affected by the bad weather through which to circulate. Better to opt for main routes and highways,than for unknown routes.
2. Slowly reduce speed,avoiding sudden braking.
If you find snow or ice on the road,the first thing you should do is reduce the speed by using long gears to stop. You must not do it violently to avoid skating. It is always better to drive along the right lane and change only to overtake another vehicle that travels at a slower speed.
Increase the safety distance to ensure braking if necessary,since both snow,fog and rain reduce visibility and reaction time. On slopes,keep a greater distance with the vehicle ahead.
3. Take chains and gloves if the snowfall is expected.
If you find snow on the road during your trip,stop the car in a place where it does not hinder traffic and put the chains on the driving wheels.
If you do not know how they are placed,inform yourself well,and practice before starting your trip. And whenever you can try to drive on virgin snow,not on the marks left by other vehicles.
4. Turn on the low beam and fog lights,as the road lights could dazzle you and the other cars.
5. Take the full fuel tank,and the mobile phone charged. This will allow you to ask for assistance in an emergency.
6. Never leave the vehicle on the road.
In case you cannot continue the trip because of bad weather or a breakdown,look for an area to stop with the appropriate signage or go to a service area or gas station from which to shelter from the bad weather and notify the operations center of the highway.
7. Keep calm at the wheel.
Not being nervous and knowing how to act when an unforeseen or risky situation can make you avoid an accident. Driving safely in bad weather is important and one should read real-time information on highways about speed incidents or limits.
In conclusion
At the wheel,you always have to be careful,comply with the rules,and keep in mind that you are not alone on the road.
Moreover,one should keep in mind that speed and carelessness are among the primary cause of accident injuries.