Hazardous Driving Help

Driving in the rain, snow, ice, or fog can be a dangerous prospect for anyone. Every year there are thousands of accidents caused by hazardous weather conditions. You can lower your risk of getting into an accident while driving in wet or dangerous conditions by following a few simple rules.

The first, and most important, is to drive slowly. Your tires are designed to have much better traction when you drive slowly, as a greater amount of the tread is on the road. Driving slow will also decrease the risk of hydroplaning on difficult-to-see puddles or patches of ice. If you speed through a puddle, you also risk stalling out your car by getting the engine wet. By driving slowly and avoiding sudden braking, accelerating, and passing other cars, you greatly decrease the risk of an accident.

Should you still end up sliding or hydroplaning, it is important that you know how to react to regain control of your car. Do NOT slam on your brakes, but rather step on the brake in a steady and slightly firm manner. If you have anti-lock brakes on your vehicle, it is important that you do not pump them, but rather apply steady pressure. If you are skidding out of control, turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

Sliding out on a puddle or small pool of water is called hydroplaning. Should this happen to you, immediately release pressure on the gas pedal, but don't slam on the brakes. If you are driving a car with stick shift, push down the clutch and let the car slow naturally. If you are driving a car with an automatic transmission, hold the steering wheel as steady as possible and gently apply pressure to the brakes.

It is also highly important to allow extra space between your car and others on the road. Stopping on wet roads can take up to three times longer, even with high-quality tires designed for wet and rainy conditions. It is advisable to keep your headlights on, even during the day, if it is raining, this way other vehicles will be alerted to your presence. Keep an eye out for brake lights on the cars ahead of you.

One of the best methods of avoiding an accident in hazardous conditions is to be prepared and to take preventative measures. You can be prepared for wet roads by regularly inspecting your tires for worn down tread. Your tread should be at least 1/16th of an inch to provide the necessary traction for rainy conditions. Make sure that your tires are adequately pumped, and are well balanced. It is even advisable that you purchase snow or wet-weather tires if you live in a region with a great deal of precipitation.

It is also extremely important not to drive if you are tired, or even distracted. It is always better to pull off the road for a break than to drive with lower levels of alertness. Avoid distractions such as talking on a cellular phone, changing the music in your car, eating food or drinking, or any activity that requires dividing your focus or removing a hand from the steering wheel.

By monitoring your tires, keeping alert and focused on the road, and knowing what to do in the event you begin to slip or hydroplane, you can avoid having a serious accident. Ultimately, however, the best solution to driving in hazardous weather is to wait and drive in fairer conditions.

Of course, you need to make sure you have the right auto insurance. Check out rates from multiple insurance companies at www.getagreatrate.com or www.greatcarinsurancerates.com.

©2004 The Lawrence Marketing Group

www.GetAGreatRate.com is an excellent source of information empowering people to compare and buy personal insurance products to meet their individual needs. GetAGreatRate offers online quotes for auto insurance, life insurance, home insurance, and health insurance.