Variable weather with snow or rain does not make it easier to drive, especially in the morning and evening, when the temperature fluctuates around zero.
Sudden snowfall, a slippery surface or lack of driving skills in such conditions causes that there are numerous road accidents. Unfortunately, we do not have any influence on weather conditions, but by adhering to traffic rules, driving techniques, responsible behavior, and proper equipment of our vehicle, we can increase our safety.
With the change of weather, the roads are becoming more and more dangerous, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians. This is the time when the probability of road events increases several times. Deteriorating road conditions: the occurrence of fog, rainfall or snow, slippery surface and low temperature, significantly extend the braking distance, which with high traffic on our roads adversely affects the safety of road users.
Reason first and foremost
Remember that falling snow or snow with rain and frosts makes the road slippery. Drivers have to take into account that they will not be able to stop the vehicle immediately. The braking time of the car then increases significantly and it is not difficult to collide or offset. Each of us is a participant in the road traffic, only our roles change sometimes. It does not matter, however, whether we are traveling by car, by bike or walking, then remember that we are responsible for the safety of ourselves and other road users. Unfortunately, we do not have any influence on weather conditions, but by adhering to traffic rules, driving techniques, responsible behavior, and proper equipment of our vehicle, we can increase our safety. Let’s adjust the speed to the conditions on the road. Unfortunately, not everyone remembers that when the temperature is on the small plus or drops below zero, and on the road there is snow or rain or drizzle, the conditions on the road are extremely treacherous and you should drive slower, more cautiously and more wisely.
Let’s take care of our vehicles.
The better we take care of our vehicle before departure, the more our safety and other road users will improve. The driver should have an adequate field of view. Snow cleared, cleaned of ice and other dirt must be windows and mirrors. Also, external lighting and registration plates may be dirty and covered with snow. Also, the snow lying on the roof of the car or the cover of the engine compartment poses a real threat to us and other drivers, because it can slip on the windshield during braking or fall on the other car behind us.
It is also worth changing tires for winter, it will certainly affect our road safety. As the last days’ show, the first snowfalls have already appeared in our region and in many cases, winter tires seem to be an absolute necessity.
Let’s remember about reflective materials
A special appeal is also directed at pedestrians. Even if you are in front of a pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver can slow down. Of course, the pedestrian takes precedence over the passage, but here the principle of limited trust is most applicable. Let us remind you that during the autumn and winter weather we are less visible. Pedestrians and cyclists should remember about their safety and take care to be visible. Road conditions suggest common, absolute use of reflective elements not only outside built-up areas and regardless of age. Every reflective element, regardless of whether it is a reflective vest, key ring or headband with reflective tapes, will make it easier to see the oncoming driver when moving on the road.
The driver remembers:
Thoroughly clean the vehicle from the snow before you leave the road, the snow should be removed not only from the windows but also from the roof, bonnet and from the front and rear lights, make sure that the windows are not fogged up and the visibility from inside the vehicle is not impeded.
Plan your trip, in case of bad weather conditions, leaves 10 minutes earlier. In the case of possible difficulties in traffic, this creates unnecessary stress and, as a consequence, may lead to aggression, remember that in the event of any precipitation, speed should be reduced, at low temperatures, the road surface freezes. Avoid sudden maneuvers and sharp braking, pay special attention to pedestrians who are less visible during this period.