Stay Safe When the Roads Get Rough

When you look outside and notice bad weather, your first instinct may be to bundle up and stay inside. Well, we are here to tell you your instincts are correct. However, this may not be possible for everyone. For those who are required to make a drive in bad weather, here are ways you can stay safe when the roads get rough.

Most Important Safety Precautions

When driving in any bad weather, and specifically any conditions that minimize your visibility, the two most important safety precautions are:

• Slow down: Driving slower helps lower the chances of your car losing its control (skidding, hydroplaning, and hitting another vehicle). Try reducing your speed by at least a third on wet roads, and by half on icy roads.
• Stay back: Giving yourself the time and space to break is a key detail to pay attention to. The more space you leave in front of you, the more time you have to get your car back under control.

These steps should be at the top of your mind at all times when you are behind the wheel in bad weather. They should help you bring about some form of control in an uncontrollable situation. Although these ideas may seem simple, they are life-saving.

Ensure Up-to-Date Vehicle Maintenance

To minimize the chances of experiencing further danger when driving in bad weather, it is crucial to stay on top of vehicle maintenance. That can mean:

• Replacing worn windshield wipers
• Changing out lights that are dying
• Checking out the wear and tear on your brake pads
• Cleaning dirty headlights
• Checking tire pressure and fill up to the recommended level
• Up-to-date oil changes
• Routine maintenance

Being consistent in making sure the functionality of your vehicle is important for year-round safety. It is especially important when it comes to dangerous weather or climates. If done correctly, it can not only ensure further protection, but can also save you from costly damages.

Allot Extra Time to Reach Your Destination

By giving yourself more time than usual to get to your destination, it will minimize your stress and reduce your need to drive at a normal speed during bad weather. Driving slow is key to maintaining control. Using GPS navigation and setting it up beforehand is a great way to approach this safety method. It presents up-to-date time stamps and mostly accurate information on roadway closures.

Be Mindful of Sleet, Snow, and Ice

When wintertime rolls around, sleet, snow, and ice are common and unpredictable dangers to be aware of. Listening to the local weather forecasts and staying up to date with your weather app are great ways to stay informed. Keep in mind that bridges and any shaded areas are the first to freeze, so slow down in these areas or avoid them altogether.

Use Low-Beam Headlights in Foggy Areas

Fog is another dangerous condition that can easily be overlooked. Because it hinders visibility significantly, it is important to understand which lighting to use. You are encouraged to pair low-beam headlights with fog lights, if available. Do not at any point use high-beam headlights as they will cause reflection in the fog, making it more difficult to see. If fog appears denser than usual, utilize your emergency flashers for more visibility.

Pull Over

Lastly, if at any point you feel unsafe or if the weather gets worse, pull over. It is perfectly okay to pull into a safe location like a rest area or parking lot until your visibility is better.

When the Weather Gets Bad, Always Prioritize Safety Over Speed

Here at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we understand that safety is the most important thing and want you to be covered in all aspects. If you or a loved one is a victim of an auto accident, contact us to schedule your free consultation. Let our personal injury team help you get the compensation you deserve.