When you are driving in weather conditions that are far from perfect, it is important to remember that your first priority is safety. You want to keep yourself safe and you have a responsibility to not hurt anyone else on the roads either.
When you are driving in the snow and ice it is very easy to lose control or get into an accident. Taking all of the necessary precautions will enable you to drive safely.
First you are going to want to get your car geared up for the conditions you will be facing. Before winter rolls around you will want to have a routine check up on your car. Breaking down in severely cold temperatures can be very dangerous.
You should also have your car tuned up. The tune up should ensure that you have better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster responses on pick-up and passing power.
Being prepared for an emergency situation that may arise on the road is also important. You should have all of the proper equipment to change and replace a tire, a shovel, jumper cables, tow and tire chains, a bag of salt and a tool kit.
The equipment is necessary to have but you must also have supplies for an emergency situation. You should have a flashlight with extra batteries, reflectors, compass, first aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, ice scraper and snow brush, waterproof wooden stick matches and some non-perishable, high-energy foods.
In the unfortunate event that you do become stranded do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are and how long you will be walking for help. You should also know for certain that when you arrive at the destination you've walked to that you will then be able to improve your situation.
Make sure that you are noticeable on the side of the road. You should hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna and light two flares, placing one at the front and one at the back of your car.
If you are waiting inside your car make sure that the exhaust pipe is not blocked. For every hour you are in the car run the engine for about 10 minutes.
Be conscious of the amount of gas you have and make. Running the engine for more than ten minutes every hour may deplete your gas very quickly.
Make sure to keep yourself protected from frostbite and hypothermia. Use the wool items and blankets to keep yourself warm.
If you are stock in a heavy storm you will want to keep at least one window open slightly. If you do not do this the heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
To keep your mouth moist you will want to eat a hard candy. Make sure to eat the food that you have in your car slowly as you do not want to run out immediately.
If you can avoid driving in bad weather, try not to drive. If you do have to go out wait until the snow plows and salting trucks have had a chance to do their work.
You will also want to allow the extra time to get to your destination. You do not ever want to be tempted to rush when you are driving in poor weather.
Decreasing your speed is the first step to driving safely in the snow. You should also allow yourself extra time to stop.
Always pace yourself so that you are about three times farther away from the car in front of you than you would be if you were driving in normal conditions. This will avoid many fender benders.
Keep your lights on, so that other motorists can see you. If you are braking and you feel your brakes lock up, ease off of your brakes and gently reapply pressure.
If you are going uphill you will want to keep your car in a low gear. This will give you the traction that will be necessary as you go up the hill.
You never want to pass the snow plows or the sanding trucks. Because these vehicles are so large they have limited visibility and they may not see you trying to pass them.
Always abide by the road signs. They have been placed in specific places for specific reasons.
Road signs can guide you to safer routes and warn you of what is coming ahead. Keep your eye out for the road signs, they will help you drive successfully in the poor weather.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor has worked in construction for over 20 years. Ronald recommends that every construction company has road signs.
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