Driving in Bad Weather

April 29, 2008 - We have certainly experienced our share of rain and even a little hail and snow in Douglasville and Douglas County in the past few months. Driving in bad weather creates hazardous driving conditions, including limited visibility and reduced tire traction. Such conditions increase the likelihood of a car accident. Here are some precautionary measures you should take when driving in bad weather.

Prepare Ahead of Time - It can take longer and be more stressful if you drive in bad weather. If you leave early, you can reach your destination without worry of running late. To avoid weather systems that could affect your driving, always consider taking an alternate route.

Drive Slowly - If you drive carefully and slowly during bad weather, you can reduce the possibility of an accident caused by skidding.

Avoid Tailgating - Experts recommend to double the amount of space between you and the car in front of you when driving in rain. When driving in wet conditions, your brakes are not as effective, which means you have to allow for more room in case you have to make a sudden stop.

Be Sure All Equipment On Your Car Is In Proper Working Order- During the winter months, you should always have your tires and brakes checked regularly. In heavy rainfall, it is important to have working windshield wipers to improve visibility. Before driving, be sure to keep your headlights clean and your mirrors and windshields clear of frost and ice.

Use Your Low Beams in Fog - Keeping your headlights on low while driving through fog can allow other drivers to see your car. To avoid incoming traffic from the center line, you should try to stay near the right side of the road.

Listen To The Radio - Local radio stations usually offer information on road conditions. To keep your focus on the road, you should always have the volume on low.

Buckle Your Seat Belt - Studies have shown that seatbelts can save lives. Your passengers should always wear their seatbelts too.

Pull Over if Necessary - If you need to rest, or if weather conditions make it hard to see, pull over to a safe spot completely off the road. Make sure you do not pull over into a deep snow bank or puddle during snow or heavy rain conditions.

While driving in weather conditions that can cause injury to yourself or to others, it is always important to follow these safe driving techniques. When extreme weather conditions occur such as tornados, snowstorms, electrical storms, etc., it is more crucial to perform these measures. If possible, always try to reschedule a trip and stay indoors instead of being on the road in bad conditions. Your best defense is using caution when behind the wheel during bad weather.