Driving is one thing, but driving with safety in mind is another. Most of the people that you see driving around consider themselves good drivers. However, some of them speed aggressively, or wander recklessly from lane to lane, because they’re distracted.
There are also those drivers who follow too closely. They’ll weave in and out of traffic, make sudden turns without making any effort to signal anyone, and display road rage. These, in turn, can become very dangerous situations.
You may be a good driver, but there comes a time when the conditions you’re driving in aren’t that favorable. You have to put up with bad weather, poor road conditions, and other things.
Your safety, and those of pedestrians and other drivers, is of utmost importance here. This means that you have to make the necessary adjustments to your driving practices if you want to keep everyone safe. Here are some of the scariest and most frustrating times and conditions to drive in.
Heavy Rain
It might be easy for you to gloss over the fact that 30% of all road accidents are as a result of driving when it’s raining. Mainly, it’s because a heavy downpour can catch you off guard pretty fast.
Always make sure to have windshield wipers that are not only working properly, but also in good enough shape to allow you to see the road clearly.
Wet roads also interfere with braking. This often leads to skidding, which comes with its share of risks. Then comes the issue of reduced visibility and standing water.
That’s not to say that you’re strictly prohibited from driving when it’s raining. What that means is that you have to be extra attentive and cautious on the road. Most importantly, you should drive at much slower speeds to avoid any braking issues.
Storms And Strong Winds
The wind isn’t your friend while you’re on the road driving. If anything, the wind could get under your car, and interfere with handling and braking.
It’s for this reason that you’re advised to avoid driving in an exposed area when the wind is blowing heavily. It’s also crucial that you try as much as you can to avoid overtaking taller vehicles.
Try to ensure that both your hands are resting on the steering wheel whenever you’re driving in a storm. Lastly, be extra careful while driving alongside motorcyclists and cyclists, as they’re the most vulnerable in such a scenario.
Ice And Snow
Ice and snow are among the leading culprits when it comes to Delaware auto accidents. Whenever ice and snow cover a road, car accidents became more rampant.
The only way you can keep yourself safe while driving in such a condition is by driving slower and more cautiously. The risk is increased for those who are driving SUVs and four-wheel drives, because they’re the most susceptible to accidents under such weather conditions.
Simple logic demands that you stay attentive to your surroundings. When you have to brake, do it ahead of time, because brakes tend to be less effective when the road is covered with snow or ice.
Heavy Traffic
Heavy traffic can be dangerous, especially when drivers can be impatient and display road rage. Road rage is the most common cause of accidents associated with heavy traffic.
Drivers feel angered by the way others drive, which often leads to purposeful tailgating. This is even more dangerous, as it always elicits a backlash from other drivers. What follows is aggressive road practices, and before you know it, an accident happens.
All this can easily be avoided if you learn to take charge of your emotions. Regardless of the situation, always learn to stay calm, and act consciously. Remember to use turn signals whenever you’re making a turn, and try to avoid rapid lane changes.