Weather can cause reduced visibility and extremely hazardous driving conditions making it extremely challenging to drive in… even the seasoned or professional driver! That is why you should always think defensively and protect yourself, your passengers and your car.
Here are some helpful tips that can help you stay safe and prepared when encountering difficult driving conditions:
• First, assemble an emergency kit. It should at least have a blanket, boots, shovel, nonperishable food and a flashlight, and a first-aide kit.
• Drive in front of your car. This means plan ahead for stopping and turning. Anticipate what other drivers may do and expect that they will, especially if the road is slick. If turning, accelerate very gently through the turn.
• Don’t overreact when in trouble. Keep it slow and steady to maintain control, and keep your cool at all times.
• Be cautious when braking in slick conditions. Try to coast over the slick area, and brake only after reaching bare or dry pavement. And never slam on the brakes. Brake gently in a pulsing fashion. If you have ABS brakes this will do that for you, but don’t assume anything..they may malfunction.
• Always steer into a your skid. Remember this important fact: “locked wheels” lead your direction. What this means is if your rear tires are in a skid and “locked,” the rear of your car will start sliding and thus lead the car down the road. When this happens, steer into the skid, not away or you will only magnify the skid and may put the car into a spin. Also, don’t brake during a skid. It seems un-natural, but if you know this ahead of time, it may save your life!
Even if you are cautious and defensive, you may still find yourself in an accident. In this case just remember that what you do after the accident is important especially when you need to keep everyone safe. It will also help you and your insurance company work through your claim.
So if you do get into an accident here are some more tips:
• Always stay calm. Stay at the accident scene but move off the roadway to avoid other potential hazards unless the authorities instruct you not to do so. Make sure oncoming traffic can see the accident scene and can avoid it by turning on your hazard warning lights and/or setting flares or other aides.
• Call the police and if necessary the fire department. If you use 911, they can contact all the needed agencies.
• Contact your insurance agent or company to file a claim. The sooner your insurance agent or company knows about your accident, the earlier they respond to resolve it.
• Never admit fault!. Only discuss the accident with the police, your agent and the claims adjuster.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s). Make sure you get the contact information for any witnesses.