Driving at the best of times can be a dangerous affair, but when the roads are wet and slippery, the danger can be compounded. Whilst you should always be a defensive driver on the constant watch for what other vehicles on the roads are doing, or not as the case may be, sometimes collisions are unavoidable. That’s why they’re called accidents. The following are some helpful tips for travelling on treacherous roads provided by the UK’s most prominent manufacturer and installer of crash barriers, Armco Barrier who are also known for being reliable.
When Driving on Icy or Snowy Roads
This winter, the UK has seen more than its fair share of ice and snow. Sometimes you will be driving in blizzards where you can’t see even a car length ahead of you. When the roads are snowy or icy:
- Slow down by at least 10 mph, if you still feel unsafe, slow down by another 5 mph. Only drive at speeds you feel comfortable with.
- If it’s subfreezing weather, watch for black ice. You cannot see it and is most often found on bridges and in shadows of large structures. Never slam on your breaks if you hit a patch of black ice.
- Stay farther away from cars ahead of you. Give yourself extra time to stop if necessary.
- Don’t try to turn away from a skid but rather turn into it.
- While turning, never hit your brakes! Before a turn tap-tap-tap your brakes gently, but if you suddenly come upon a sharp curve in the road, don’t brake while turning. This is why it is recommended that you go at least 10 miles per hour under the speed limit.
- Take care to pay attention to traffic management systems, which you can find information at Todoos.
When Driving in Rainy Weather Conditions
Although the UK is famous for its drizzly days, there are those days when you feel like the floodgates to heaven suddenly opened up. When driving in rainy weather conditions:
- Slow down between five and ten miles per hour. Hydroplaning is always a danger on slick roadways, especially if it hasn’t rained for some time. The combination of oil from vehicles and water can send you quickly into a spin.
- Avoid flooded roadways. If an area is flooded, you may not be able to judge just how deep those ‘puddles’ go. This is especially important on roads near rivers, ponds and lakes. Many cars over the years have misjudged the depth of water on the road and were carried into waters deep enough to submerge the vehicle and everyone in it.
- Sometimes referred to as ‘feathering,’ tap your brakes carefully when going through a puddle. Do take your foot off the accelerator and the feathering of your brakes will help dry them by friction.
When Driving in Foggy Weather Conditions
Fog is scary enough as it is with all the tales of the Loch Ness monster circulating those foggy country roads, but it is also more dangerous to drive in than you know. When driving in foggy weather:
- Always use your low beams if you don’t have fog lights. If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights use them!
- Here again, that brake-tapping, sometimes referred to as pumping, should get you through the fog ahead if you suddenly come upon a patch of heavy fog.
- Never use your bright beams during a fog. That light reflects off the water in the air and makes it even more difficult to see ahead.
These are just a few tips provided by Armco Barrier. Although they are the lead manufacturer, supplier and installer of crash barriers in the UK, they don’t want you to be injured in a crash. Safe driving is always best. Those Armco Barriers are there to protect you when all your efforts at driving safely fail you. In essence, they are a last resort. Your best line of defence is always safe driving. Bear that in mind.