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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 5. Adverse Conditions |
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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 5. Adverse Conditions |
37. Precaution in bad weather
Driving is an outdoor activity. Not knowing how to drive in bad weather often causes a traffic accident. An experienced motorist is constantly aware of the prevailing conditions and takes these precautions:
Rain:
Drive slower. Excessive speed on a wet road is a major cause of crashes. The most vulnerable period is during the first few moments of rain after a long, dry spell. Dust and oil mixes with water to create a very slippery surface. Avoid heavy braking and accelerate only gently. Drive extra cautious around corners and bends.
Aquaplaning occurs when driving through a pool of water at high speed. If the tyres are not coping with the volume of water, (at 100 km/h 5 liters of water have to be shifted), the driver could lose steering, as the vehicle literally floats over the surface of the water. The remedy is to come off the accelerator immediately, don’t brake. The tyres should make contact again with the road, otherwise a little braking may be in order.
Strong winds:
At high speed, in strong crosswinds, there is a real risk of being pushed into oncoming traffic or off the road. Careless drivers often lose their caravan, when driving too fast while towing. A truck or semi-trailer driving in the opposite direction, creates strong wind gusts, affecting your steering. Reduce speed and keep a firm hold on the steering wheel.
The outline of the warning sign and advisory speed is barely visible against the setting sun. Reduce speed, because you can’t read the sign or assess the shape of the bend ahead.
Sun glare: If you lose vision driving into the sun, fold down the the sun visor, or shield your eyes with your hand for a moment to regain vision. Don’t look directly into the sun. As is the case with night driving, the windscreen must be spotlessly clean when driving into the sun.
Frost, Ice: On cold, frosty mornings beware of ice building up on bridges and culverts. The same rules apply as with rain:
Accelerate carefully brake early and with caution corner gently.
On a very slippery surface, when descending a steep hill, use a lower gear, even in an automatic vehicle, as to avoid heavy braking.
In wet weather
make your right foot a feather
Your safety is
DRIVING PLUS
Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.
