When extreme climate hits, the way in which you drive can imply the distinction between arriving safely and getting caught in a harmful state of affairs. Observe our extreme climate driving tips for upcoming fog, rain, snow, and ice.
- Buckle up. It’s the regulation. Everybody in your car ought to have their seat belt on always. Seat belts are particularly essential throughout extreme climate and harmful circumstances. You probably have a pet within the automotive, contemplate buckling them in, too.
- Gradual your roll. Whether it’s raining, icy, darkish, windy, or snowy, slowing down is at all times a wise concept. Transfer to the farther proper lanes if you wish to drive slower than the stream of site visitors and put your hazard lights on, if wanted.
- Improve your following distance. That goes for the automotive in entrance of you and those round you. Grasp again additional when circumstances are slippery and keep away from driving straight subsequent to different automobiles to cut back the danger of collisions from hydroplaning or sliding. By no means use cruise management when circumstances aren’t dry and visual.
- Plan out your journey. Test the climate earlier than heading out. Have a look at an in depth radar of precipitation, temperatures, and the storm’s motion. Delay your drive, if attainable, to go away in safer circumstances.
- Hold a automotive emergency package. You by no means know if you’ll want water, meals, a flashlight, or a blanket. Stock your trunk with these emergency items. As well as, swap seasonal gadgets in your car for added security, like a small shovel, salt, an ice scraper, boots, and an umbrella.
- Cost your gadget. By no means go away the home with a telephone that’s on low battery. Should you expertise a extreme climate driving emergency and must name for assist, you’ll want sufficient cost to do it.
- Don’t drive into flooded areas. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “It solely takes 12 inches of speeding water to hold away most vehicles, and simply two toes of speeding water can carry away most vans and SUVs.” Don’t drive via flooded areas or actively speeding water. Flip round.
- Hold a watch out for particles. Trash, roadside particles, and flying objects could possibly be free throughout excessive winds or tornadic circumstances. Go searching you and much forward in entrance of you when driving to identify these hazards earlier than you attain them. Don’t let distractions pull your eyes off the road or your environment.
- Service car points. Burned-out headlights or taillights can put you at risk when there’s diminished visibility. Repair any issues with your vehicle right away. Guarantee your tires have sufficient tread for the upcoming season and top off fluid levels.
- Keep away from leaving your car after an accident. Should you get into an accident or want to drag off the highway, don’t step out close to oncoming site visitors. If attainable, keep in your car till emergency responders arrive.
Following these extreme climate driving ideas may help hold you, your family members, and different drivers protected. For extra safety and peace of thoughts, speak to a local, independent agent about our complete auto insurance policies.
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