Driving is risky, consumes energy, and is generally not easy. The challenge increases even more during extreme weather conditions. Teens, adults, and older adults consistently have to be careful, especially since 21% of all the car crashes reported between 2007 and 2016 were weather-related. The culprit of these accidents was ice, slush, snow, and wet surfaces. Wet surfaces single-handedly contributed to the death of over 6,000 individuals, caused over 500,000 injuries, and lead to over 1 million crashes. If you want to navigate your way through challenging weather, you can heed these tips.
Stay updated
Unfavorable weather can range from mild to dangerous levels. It is essential to remain in the know by educating yourself on the weather forecast for the day and the week. Fortunately, today’s technology does a great job determining how the skies will look in the short term. You can watch the news on the television or opt for updates online. You will generally have to watch out for the conditions of the atmosphere, the road, and the water. The atmospheric conditions will inform you how strong the wind will be, the sky’s visibility, and any warnings about storms. On the other hand, surface conditions are sources of information on how wet or icy the ground will be. Lastly, the water conditions will update you if the tide levels will go crazy. Knowing these will help you plan your clothes and your schedule too.
Cold
When it’s immensely cold, it is crucial to gas up. This will prevent your fuel lines from freezing, which will save you from a lot of headaches later on. For better security, you will routinely have to sweep snow from your roof and your lights too. Maintain distance from other vehicles since the wet ground reduces traction, which can be a collision risk. Sometimes, accidents are simply inevitable. If you get stuck in the snow or collide with something, you can rely on a towing West Palm Beach service to clear you from the situation.
Fog
Fog is tricky to deal with. It feels like you’re driving on the clouds and seeing a glimpse of heaven. Ensure you keep enjoying life on Earth by keeping the speed down and turning on your fog lights. This way, you can get a more definite sense of what is around you. Be extra cautious because the visibility during fog is terrible.
Rain
When rain mixes with the gravel, sand, oil, and other specks of dirt on the road, expect an oil slick. To keep your car from sliding, you need to keep your tires inflated and well-maintained. It also helps to manage your turns and accelerations better. If you suddenly experience torrential rain, pull over for the meantime. When you can’t clearly see your environment, it is too risky to drive.
Hazardous conditions require heightened alertness and focus. Every time the visibility and your senses are low, the danger is high. Rest for a while and resume driving only when you feel safe enough to drive. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when the need arises.
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/kysU_IALnTM
Source:
https://www.concentra.com/resource-center/articles/surprising-facts-about-weather-related-crashes/
Comments are closed.