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 F.37   Precautions in bad weather

Driving is an outdoor activity. Not becoming aware and taking the right precautions in bad weather is a major cause of serious traffic accidents. An experienced motorist is constantly monitoring the prevailing conditions and knows how to keep safe: Let examine each adverse driving environment:

 

1. Rain: Photo: howstuffworks.com

Excessive speed is again the main factor for crashes in the wet. The most vulnerable period is during the first few moments of rain, after a long, dry spell. Dust and oil residue mixes with water to create a very slippery surface. Avoid heavy braking and accelerate only gently. Drive with extra cautious around corners and bends. Aquaplaning occurs when driving at high speed through a pool of water. If the grooves in the tyres are not deep enough ( or bald) they may not be able to cope with the volume of water, that needs to move from the front of the tyre to the rear. (At 100 km/h 5 litres of water have to be shifted per second). At excessive speed (or bald tyres) the vehicle literally floats over the surface of the water. The driver loses steering and braking power. The remedy is to come off the accelerator immediately. (Braking will not fix the problem). The tyres should make contact again with the road, otherwise gentle braking may be in order.

 

2. Strong winds:

At high speed, in strong crosswinds, there is a real risk of being pushed into oncoming traffic or off the road. Careless drivers often lose their caravan, when driving too fast while towing.  A truck or semi-trailer, driving in the opposite direction, especially on narrow roads, creates strong wind gusts.  Reduce speed and keep a firm hold on the steering wheel, to avoid losing steering control.

3. Sun glare:   As with night driving a bright, low sun on the windscreen will show up any dirt. Keep the windscreen spotlessly clean! A dirty windscreen reduces visibility.  If you lose vision, lower the sun- visor. Don't become distracted doing so, especially if a spider falls onto your lap. (If this happens stop the vehicle immediately - see Chapter 26). Never look directly into the sun.

The outline of the warning sign and advisory speed is barely visible against the setting sun. Reduce speed, because you can’t read the advisory speed sign or assess the shape of the bend ahead!

 

4. Frost, Ice:   On cold, frosty mornings or at night beware of ice building up on bridges and culverts. The same rules apply as does on a wet road surface: Accelerate carefully, brake early and with caution, drive through corners very gently.  On a very slippery surface, especially when descending a steep hill, use a lower gear, even in an automatic vehicle, as to avoid skidding under heavy braking.

Photo: ehow.com Ensure to clear all snow and ice from the vehicle. Drive slowly, brake and accelerate gently, drive with lights on

Misjudging floodwaters can lead to nasty surprises: Watch this short clip:

 

In wet and frosty weather,  MAKE YOUR RIGHT FOOT  A FEATHER ! NO SKIDDING!