Driving Safely when Roads are Slippery
Driving is a dangerous business because of the different factors that may affect the driver and the vehicle as well. But, driving in a slippery road is even more dangerous and it is one of the main reasons why accidents occur in roads and highways. In a statistic conducted by Federal Highway Administration, more or less 200,000 accidents occur yearly due to slippery roads caused by rain, snow and other weather conditions. The weather condition greatly affects the ability of the driver to operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle safely. If you are going to drive on a rainy day, make sure you are equipped with the following tips to keep you safe in driving even if the roads are slippery.
1. Check the condition of the vehicle: Before driving your vehicle, make sure that you’ve checked the oil levels, visible internal parts, lights, wipers, tires and the brakes. Determine if the parts of the vehicle are in a good working condition. 2. Drive slowly: To avoid a collision, maintain a safe traveling speed at all times. It is harder to control the vehicle’s direction when the road is wet and slippery. Follow the required speed limit in the road or highway.
3. Be aware with what other drivers are up to: The action of other motorists and pedestrians are more unpredictable when it is raining or snowing. Make sure to scan the road and the surroundings. Furthermore, check the mirrors and the blind spot to determine the possible actions of the other drivers and pedestrians. 4. Two- second rule: The two- second rule is the safe and correct following distance. Give yourself enough space when your vehicle is behind the other vehicle. In this manner, you can have enough time to stop or overtake if necessary.
5. Attend a defensive driving course: Traffic schools offers defense driving courses not only to drivers who received a traffic ticket but also to drivers who want to take a refresher course. Taking up a defensive driving program to an improve traffic school will help to refresh your driving skills and knowledge. In addition, you’ll get a chance to avail a car insurance discount depending on the terms and conditions of the insurance company. It will also help in reducing points in driving record or possibly dismiss a case filed in a traffic court.
Driving is a skill that is acquired. It must be practiced as often as possible. The most important about driving is the ability to control the vehicle in the right manner and drive safely and effectively no matter what is the weather condition.
Resources: http://www.trafficschooldiy.com/ http://kidblog.org/class/RoyClass/posts/05oudoufjtookhctype9cmmtt