Driving and the weather. The most important part of driving safely is the observation skills of the driver. Forewarned is definitely forearmed. Anticipating the road ahead and visibility are very important ingredients to making safe decisions on the road. At junctions always make sure you widen the zone of vision before committing to leaving the junction.
Driving and the weather
When it comes to following other traffic keeping a safe distance is bet. Always apply the two second rule. For instance when measuring this watch when the vehicle in front passing a landmark of some kind. Count two seconds slowly and if you pass the landmark before you get to two you are too close. Because in bad weather we need more stopping distance in rain double it to four seconds and icy weather should be multiplied by ten.
Rain
Just as driving in rain causes spray from vehicles it is important to use your fog lights if visibility goes below 100 meters. Similarly motorways are the where this tends to take place. Never use fog lights when they are not necessary. Because it can dazzle the driver behind you and cause a distraction. Just as driving in rain brings about bad visibility so does fog. Use your dipped headlights and make sure you can stop in the distance you can see clear ahead. Avoid using main beam headlights when driving in fog. The fog acts like a wall and throws the beam of light upwards.
Keep your car in good order
it’s very important to keep your tyres, brakes and steering in good order. Carry spare bulbs with you so they be changed easily if necessary. Regular servicing is best so that the car is kept in a roadworthy condition. Tyres are the contact with the road. Brakes and tyres are what will dictate how quickly you stop after the thinking time. Good observation and quick reactions should avoid the need for emergency braking. Aquaplaning can occur on motorways where there is sufficient surface water for the car to act like a hovercraft. It sits on the surface tension of the water and glides. Problem being that there is no grip from the tyres at all. Braking will be ineffective and so will the steering. In contrast aquaplaning is more dangerous than ice. Being solid the tyres can at least get some grip.
Motorways and side winds
In some ways motorways are the safest roads. Being as they are basically a huge one way road. All the traffic is moving in the same direction and there is less chance of collision. If there is strong side winds however it can affect your steering. Be watchful if you come out from the cover of a large vehicle or bridge. Sudden gusts of wind could push you into the lane aside you. As you travel down the side of a large and long vehicle keep a grip on the wheel as it can create a slip stream that will make it seem like you are being sucked into it.