Driving in rain and fog is always a jittery no matter how experienced driver you are. Heavy rain and fog limits the visibility to just a few yards decreasing your ability to see and be seen. On the other hand, rain builds up water on roadways and creates slippery and hazardous conditions that cause tires to lose traction. Driving safely in such weather conditions doesn’t just mean to slow down; there are other safety tips you must follow:
1.You’ll never know how the weather is going to be in an hour or so; therefore, make sure all your vehicle lights are in working order. Make sure that your headlights are on while driving in rain or fog, even if it is a day time.
2.Make sure that your windshields and windows are clean from inside as well outside. Check your windshield wiper blades for wear and replace them if required. Worn blades smear water on the windshield rather than clearing it making it almost impossible to see outside. Be extra cautious in freezing rain.
3.Drive slowly and cautiously in rain after a long spell on dry roadway. Even highly maintained roadways become slippery due to the mixing of water with oil and grease that build up on it.
4.Make sure that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure and contain sufficient thread depth to make good traction. Situations like hydroplane is possible even at the speed of 35 or below. Slow driving is always recommended.
5.To maintain “space cushion” keep a bit bigger distance from the vehicles ahead. It’s always safe.
6.Is has been seen that most of the drivers, while driving in rain or fog, tend to follow the taillight of vehicles in front of them. In such situations, avoid stopping your car on the shoulder of a roadway. In case you really need to, you must take your car as far off the roadway. Turn off the headlight, and turn on the emergency hazard lights.
7.In order to beat the visibility in fog, always use low beam headlights. A strict no to high beam headlight as it reflects back off the fog and worsens the visibility.
8.While driving in foggy condition, try listening to approaching traffic you are unable to see, for you need to open your car windows a little. It helps you to form a fair idea of vehicles coming from both the sides.
