Safe Driving Tips |
Safe driving is no accident. Each season
of the year presents its'
own set of challenges. Possibly you might have moved
to a new location in the country because of a career change
and might never have needed to worry about such challenges
before. In any case, our safety tips for the fall and winter
season are designed to help you get through the holidays
and into the New Year safely.
Unless you were living in one of only a handful
of states in the U.S. that does not operate on daylight savings
time you know that it gets dark a whole lot earlier in the
fall and winter. Additionally there are weather related causes
of accidents and incidents to be mindful of and then of course
Mother Nature provides mating season for North America’s
wildlife at this time of year as well. Add the hunting season
to the mix in many parts of the country and the possibilities
for surprises is endless.
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Slipping Out For a Drive Can be Scary!
It takes an additional 90 feet to stop a car going only
40mph on wet pavement than it does on dry pavement. Lots
of wet leaves add even more distance in the fall and winter
months. In snow and ice you need to be more cautious still.
Drive at a reasonable speed! If the car begins to skid
the first thing to do is take your foot off of the gas
immediately.
Always leave enough room between your vehicles, and the
nearest to you to maneuver carefully. The momentum of
the
vehicle is necessary to carry you over steep hills and
through turns, in serious snow and ice use the highest
gear available,
that provides control. Never ever use your cruise control
in slippery conditions. If your car has ABS (anti-lock
braking
system) you can apply your brakes as hard as you like.
You may feel a pulsating in the brake pedal. The pulsating
feeling
is supposed to be there, the vehicle is performing as it
is supposed to, so don’t be alarmed.
Remember what we said at the beginning of this section
– a lot more distance is going to be needed to stop
the vehicle, so be sure to allow for that. Most important
when a skid begins or problems seem inevitable DON’T
PANIC!! Don’t be afraid to use a snow bank as a part
of the braking system if necessary. There are far fewer
injuries and lots less property damage than would be experienced
in a head on with another vehicle, or a brick wall. Having
said that remember on wet roads and those roadways covered
in wet leaves, it is better to take a detour through the
cornfield than hit an oncoming vehicle or that same brick
wall. Young trees make better stops than the ancient oaks. |
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Watch Out for Wildlife!
There is a real reason for those Deer Crossing signs, and
it is not for the deer! It is extremely rare for these indigenous
creatures to travel alone. If you see one rest assured there
are more close by. Slow down! Hitting a live moving object
with four paws and a few hundred pounds has the distinct
possibility of causing not only substantial damage, but
also actually total loss of a vehicle, along with serious
injury. It is also important to note that it is mating season
for these large woodland creatures in addition to mating
season. If you hear something that sounds like a gunshot
be on the look out not only for large moving animals but
also for hunters.
If you live where moose are present and you come across
one of these beasts in the road, Do Not Honk Your Horn,
you will be mistaken for an ugly buck and the vehicle will
be charged! Moose are quite capable of turning over a small
to mid size vehicle when angered!
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Learn from Professional Pilots
Have a safety checklist in bad weather!
Be sure you have windshield wipers in good working order.
Make certain that all lights are operating, as they should
be, headlights, taillights, turn signals, and high beams.
Set your mirrors for optimum vision before you pull out onto
the road. Check your fuel, a full tank of gas is very heavy
and the extra weight helps with traction control. If you know
the vehicle is very light consider adding some sandbags or
concrete block in the back end over the wheel well areas.
Don’t tailgate and don’t speed! |
Check Your Fluids!
Does the washer system have enough cleaner to keep your windshield
clean? Is there plenty of antifreeze? Does the radiator have
a full system so it doesn’t overheat if you get stuck
behind an accident, or caught in a tie up for a long period
of time? Get the
full Preventive Maintenance Check List. |
If you have a safe record,
you can pay less for car insurance, click here!
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Trunk Safety Item Check List!
Consider if you don’t already do so, keeping the following
items in the trunk; a safety flares, along with jumper cables
(in case you leave the lights on too long), a spare tire and
jack are also not to be underrated. Even if it isn’t possible
for you to change a tire, if necessary, you will have what you
need so someone else can assist you. A gallon jug of water,
at least one blanket, a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction,
a snow shovel or folding shovel, spare gloves and boots, snow
scraper with a brush and long handle or small broom, extra windshield
cleaner, all come in handy if you are seriously stranded. |
Don't Drink and Drive!
All too often during the holidays folks
that don’t otherwise imbibe alcohol do at this time
of year. Just Don’t! Enough said.
The greatest number of auto accidents, occur
between 9pm and 3am. This is partly due to drivers becoming
over tired, poor visibility and increased natural hazards
as we discussed previously. |
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your free car insurance quote!
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Buckle up Always! Remember those ads where the 9pound
baby without a seatbelt accelerates at the rate and weight
of the 450lb Sumo wrestler? It is true! Every one should be
wearing a seatbelt. It is also a great idea to buckle up pets!
In most states today it is the law, so be sure you and all
of your passengers buckle up!
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Related Articles:
Winter Storm
Emergency. Do you know what
to do if you are in the middle of a winter storm blizzard? |
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