You know that different weather types can lead to very serious and difficult driving conditions. We offer you some tips how to stay safe in extreme weather conditions.
Heavy Rain. In our country it rains rather often so it is really easy to become involved into driving on wet slippery surfaces.
The rain on the road surface combines with fuel, dust, debris and soot from the tires of other vehicles. As the result we have a slick road that can cause car’s slipping and sliding which is very dangerous. In this situation you should do the following:

* Slow Down. It is obvious but still you should remember, that your tires will have less grip on the wet than on the dry road, that’s why try to keep the speed down. If you drive fast in wet weather this can result in aquaplaning. This is caused by a layer of water formed between the road and the tires of a car. In this case the tires don’t touch the road and you lose control over braking and steering.

* Increase Stopping Distances. You should increase the distance between your car and the vehicle in front. Always be ready to double your stopping distance in heavy rain. For this you should reduce the pressure on the pedal, particularly on the brake pedal. When slowing down, ease off your accelerator and slow down gradually. This wil prevent you from skidding and losing control. If you slam on the brake this can lead you to uncontrolled skid and therefore to an accident.

* Turn On Your Headlights. Visibility is always reduced by rain and spray. Turning your headlights on will make you more visible to other drivers which is especially important in gloomy conditions.

In the Event of Flooded Roads:

* Don’t Take Risks. Never make an attempt to drive over a flooded road. If it is possible, turn back and find another way.

* Never Underestimate the Power of Water. Keep in mind that 2 feet of water, moving quickly, is enough to float a car. Water which moves slowly can easily sweep a car off a road or bridge.

* Abandon if Water Rises. If you are in you car and the water begins to raise rapidly never try to take care of you poor vehicle as it may lead to sad results. Leave your car immediately.

* Driving Through. If you have to drive through the floodwater move slowly in first gear, and keep the engine speed high. This will prevent the car from stalling and will keep water from backing up the exhaust.

Driving in Ice and Snow

Snow may be dangerous especially for those people who are not used to it. The first fall of snow is the most dangerous if the roads haven’t yet been gritted, but ice is even worse because sometimes you just can’t see it. When water appears on the road, forming a pool, it turns into black ice which is incredibly hard to be spotted, particularly on corners where the ice is hidden by the shadows on the road. In this event you should:

* Carefully Defrost You Vehicle. Before to hit the road check that all the parts are cleaned of snow. Pay particular attention to the windows, windowscreen and all the mirrors. Also make sure that your lights are clear and are not covered with snow.

* Check the Grip. When you start driving, find a quiet, safe place as soon as you can and brake gently, testing your grip on the road.

* Drive Carefully and Slowly. Also don’t forget to increase your braking distance to make it safe.

* Treat Bends with Caution. Watch the bends. Brake slowly and increase the pressure gradually when approaching a bend and be extremely very careful on roundabouts as they are like a great bend when you drive on road covered with ice.

* Drive in a High Gear. The gear should be higher than usually. In this case you‘ll be able to control you vehicle better.

When it is Foggy. Take particular care as driving in such conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable. Driving in fog is pretty safe as long as you use your common sense.

* Entering Fog. When you are approaching the foggy area, begin to slow down and look at the mirrors. Keep in mind not to forget to switch off your fog lights when the foggy area is already behind. The matter is in the fact that it is offensive to use fog lights in clear conditions.

* Watch Your Speed. In the event you can only see 40 feet or even less in front of your car, you must to reduce your speed to 20mph.

* Be Very Attentive. Be very attentive regarding the other drivers who do not use fog lights or dipped headlights. Drive very carefully and don’t take any risks.

Geoffrey Thomson

Technorati tags: Driving in Bad Weather, Driving and Weather Conditions