deer and coyotes.
Driving in Bad Weather
- Turn your headlights on anytime you need to turn your windshield wipers on – in rain, fog, sleet, freezing rain, and snow, as well as during twilight and dusk. It will help your visibility – and also help other drivers see you.
- During winter, keep an ice scraper with a brush in your car in case it snows or sleets. Also check that you have wiper fluid/de-icer in your car. If it gets messy while you are out, these will come in handy.
- Double the space you normally leave between you and the next car. You’ll need more space to stop on slick roads.
- Brake gently.
- Make sure your exhaust tail pipe is clear if you’ve had to dig your car out of snow or ice or if you’ve backed into a snow bank. If your tail pipe is blocked you could get sick or die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- When driving on slippery surfaces like ice or snow use gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when starting. If your wheels start to spin, let up on the accelerator until traction returns.
- Check that windshield wipers and washers work - you may need it in snow and sleet.
- Keep windows and windshield clear. Make sure wipers are working.
- Leave a window open a little bit to keep windshield from fogging up and to give you fresh air.
- Watch for danger spots ahead. You've probably heard that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the roads do.
- When starting out in bad weather, test your brakes to see how far it takes you to stop. This tip was sent in by someone who didn’t do this and ended up wrecking her car. She also called her dad on his car phone to tell him about the accident–and he was so upset, he wrecked his car, too. So her second tip is not to tell your parents that you’ve wrecked the car while they are driving.
- If you are stuck in ice or snow, try putting your floor mats under the edge of the tires to give them traction.
- Braking in bad weather can be tricky. When braking on wet roads:
- If you have ABS (anti-lock) brakes, do not pump brakes.
- If you skid with non ABS brakes and your wheels lock up, let up on the brakes to unlock the wheels, and then brake gently.
- Listen to radio traffic reports and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
To Pass or Not to Pass
- When there is a solid yellow line on your side.
- When you’re uncertain there is enough time or space.
- When you can’t see around a curve or over a hill.
- When behind multiple cars and passing one car doesn't really make any difference.
- On two lane roads, don’t pass tractors or trucks or other vehicles you can’t see around.
- In hazardous weather conditions.
- When another car is coming toward you in the opposite lane.
- When a car is passing you.
- When there is construction or road work.
- When the car in front of you is going the maximum speed limit.
- When on narrow roads, on bridges, or in tunnels.
- When you are unfamiliar with the car you are driving and its capabilities.
- Don’t play leap frog by passing a friend that just passed you.
Passing with Caution
- Only pass if there’s a dotted line on your side.
- Check that the passing lane is clear.
- Make sure you have plenty of space to pass safely.
- Signal before you pass.
- Pass at least ten miles per hour faster than the car you’re passing while not exceeding the speed limit.
- Make sure you have cleared the passed car with enough space before pulling back into your lane.
Major Factors in Accidents
- Alcohol and drugs
- Ignoring right-of-way
- Improper passing and driving to the left of center
- Reckless driving
Danger Signs for Drowsy Driving
Drowsiness can sneak up on you when you’re driving. For teenagers, driving late at night, between 11pm and 2am is particularly dangerous for falling asleep at the wheel. Here are some signs to watch for – and do something about before you run into a tree or another car.
- Yawning a lot
- Having trouble keeping eyes open
- Not being able to concentrate
- Not remembering the last few minutes or seconds
- Jerking of your head or body from the brink of falling asleep
- Car wanders from the road or into another lane
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