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can You drive Safely in All Weather Conditions?
Driving in adverse weather can make an already potentially dangerous situation much more dangerous. Over a million people die in traffic collisions each year, and the figures are constantly on the rise. The WHO cites traffic accidents as the seventh largest cause of death in the world today, and the number one cause for young people. It's important that you're constantly alert whilst driving, and that you're especially diligent when conditions are against you.
Wet weather is a source of hazard if you're taking a journey anywhere. Reduced visibility and changing road conditions mean that you have to factor the weather in to your driving in order to stay safe. The two-second rule is standard practice for normal driving conditions. It allows a two second braking gap between you and the car in front. In wet weather this should be doubled. You also need to use your lights if visibility drops in order that traffic can see you well ahead of time.
Icy weather brings with it a large amount of accidents. This is for similar reasons to wet weather, but to a more extreme level. You should follow the same rules with braking distance to make sure that you're not putting yourself in an impossible position when it comes to reacting to danger. Also controls should be handled gently, with care given to accelerating, decelerating and steering, so as to reduce the risk of skidding on ice. De-icing the windscreen will also prepare you for the adverse conditions ahead - you shouldn't drive with an unclear screen.
In hot weather there are dangers too. The main one is driver fatigue. Being trapped inside a hot cab all day can put a great deal of strain on your brain and can lead to you feeling drowsy. Make sure you have fresh air or air conditioning to keep you awake and focused.
More than anything else, wearing a seatbelt will improve your chances of staying safe, whatever happens. Half of the deaths on the road each year could be prevented by wearing a seatbelt.
Wet weather is a source of hazard if you're taking a journey anywhere. Reduced visibility and changing road conditions mean that you have to factor the weather in to your driving in order to stay safe. The two-second rule is standard practice for normal driving conditions. It allows a two second braking gap between you and the car in front. In wet weather this should be doubled. You also need to use your lights if visibility drops in order that traffic can see you well ahead of time.
Icy weather brings with it a large amount of accidents. This is for similar reasons to wet weather, but to a more extreme level. You should follow the same rules with braking distance to make sure that you're not putting yourself in an impossible position when it comes to reacting to danger. Also controls should be handled gently, with care given to accelerating, decelerating and steering, so as to reduce the risk of skidding on ice. De-icing the windscreen will also prepare you for the adverse conditions ahead - you shouldn't drive with an unclear screen.
In hot weather there are dangers too. The main one is driver fatigue. Being trapped inside a hot cab all day can put a great deal of strain on your brain and can lead to you feeling drowsy. Make sure you have fresh air or air conditioning to keep you awake and focused.
More than anything else, wearing a seatbelt will improve your chances of staying safe, whatever happens. Half of the deaths on the road each year could be prevented by wearing a seatbelt.