Stay Safe – During Winter
Stay safe! It is better to avoid being on the roads during these conditions. Here is more about the bad conditions.
Weather
If you happen to be on the roads during heavy rainfall, avoid low-lying areas as much as possible as these are prone to flash floods. Also avoid driving through large pools of water on the roads, as this could cause you to hydroplane and could lead to a collision. If you do happen to hydroplane, slowly lift your foot from the accelerator while avoiding harsh braking. It is safer to drive slowly and get to your destination safely.
Pull Over
If you feel unsafe on the roads and there is a safe place to pull over, rather do so. You can safely wait for the extreme downpour to reside before proceeding on your journey. Cars driving past you and in front of you will produce off spray on wet roads which can hinder your vision. Be prepared by ensuring that your windscreen wipers are on.
Do not drive through fast-flowing water when you are not able to correctly judge its depth. If you misjudge the situation, you risk being swept away by the current. If you are unexpectedly caught in fast-flowing water, drive slowly. Once you are through the water and safely on the other side, lightly tap your brake to help dry them off before proceeding.
In a flash flood, open your car door slightly to let water flow in and add weight to the car, regaining grip on the tires. If in danger of being swept away, abandon your vehicle and find safety.
It is always safer to be overly cautious than to be oblivious to your surroundings.Educating yourself on these possible scenarios and ensuring that you are adequately prepared and know what to do is just as important. This information might save your life!
This article was originally published on:
https://www.womenonwheels.co.za/safety/tips-for-driving-in-severe-weather-conditions/
Read more articles: https://wpmotors.co.za/news/
