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 important throughout extreme climate and harmful circumstances. In case you have a pet within the automobile, take into account 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 circulation of site visitors and put your hazard lights on, if wanted.
- Improve your following distance. That goes for the automobile in entrance of you and those round you. Grasp again additional when circumstances are slippery and keep away from driving instantly subsequent to different automobiles to cut back the chance of collisions from hydroplaning or sliding. By no means use cruise management when circumstances aren’t dry and visual.
- Plan out your journey. Verify the climate earlier than heading out. Take a look at an in depth radar of precipitation, temperatures, and the storm’s motion. Delay your drive, if attainable, to depart in safer circumstances.
- Hold a automobile 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 depart 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. In keeping with 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 by way of flooded areas or actively speeding water. Flip round.
- Hold an eye fixed out for particles. Trash, roadside particles, and flying objects may very well be unfastened 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 lowered 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 tug 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 suggestions might help maintain you, your family members, and different drivers secure. For extra safety and peace of thoughts, speak to a local, independent agent about our complete auto insurance policies.
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