|
The winter and driving shopping season is right around the corner. We need to remember
that in the winter, with snow and freezing conditions, our driving tactics need
to change. Accidents will occur on the snow and ice that wouldn't on dry pavement.
This article will cover the important things to remember and how to drive safely.
The most important thing that everyone needs to remember is that you cannot stop
as fast on icy or snow covered pavement. You need to drive slower which will give
you more time to slow down. When you need to come to a stop anywhere give yourself
more time by starting to slow down earlier than usual. When driving behind other
vehicles make sure that you leave a bigger distance between you and the vehicle
in front. This way you will have more time to slow down and also react to unexpected
stops.
Slow down everywhere and anything that you do. Take turns slower, drive on straight
roads slower and slow down alittle even on slight curves in the road. Anytime you
have to turn that steering wheel ease of the gas appropiately. You need to be deliberate
in all your actions. Anytime that you need to push on the pedals, gas or brake,
do it easily and steady. When making a turn ease that steering wheel slowly and
don't make fast jerky movements.
Always be aware of your road conditions. Even when it is not snowing the road will
ice up in places where there is moisture. This will happen more during the overnight
hours when it is colder and there is no sunlight. Sometimes a spot will look just
wet but is is actually ice, "black ice" as we know it. Be aware of bridges and overpasses.
These road surfaces are always colder and therefore freezes up first. If you do
find yourself on ice just coast, don't brake or turn the wheel, until you pass over
it.
Drive defensively. Always be on the lookout for other motorists that are making
all of the mistakes. Approach intersections cautiously looking for other skidding
vehicles. Keep an eye in your rear view mirror for vehicles hitting you from behind.
Keep enough distance away from everyone so you don't become part of their accident.
Even after taking all your precautions you will eventually find yourself involved
in a sliding situation. When you do, DON'T PANIC! Take your foot of the gas and
don't hit the brakes. You then want to steer your car into the skid. People always
hear that but don't know what to do anyway. If you are driving straight and the
rear of your vehicle is sliding to the left and the front of the vehicle to the
right, then you need to countersteer your car to the left. If the car corrects itself
then straighten the wheel back out. Sometimes the car will over correct itself and
now it is sliding the other way. If this happens just countersteer again in the
opposite direction.
Follow these tips and hopefully you won't become the next accident statistic. Remember
not to drink and drive, stay off of your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt.
|
