We can’t control our driving conditions, but we can control how we drive in these situations. Whether you are driving at night, in the rain, in fog or with a sun glare, we can control at which speeds we drive and our position on the road in these conditions.
Let’s have a look at how we can drive better in these conditions.
What to do when driving at night1
- Always ensure that your windscreen is clean and free of cracks and chips.
- Always put on your headlights as early as possible. This allows you to see the roads clearly and ensures other motorists can see your vehicle as well.
- Use your high beams to see better when it’s very dark and the road is clear of other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Always dip your high beams when there is other traffic.
- Make sure your mirrors are positioned correctly and check them often while driving.
- Be aware of all road signs, road reflectors, guideposts and streetlights to help guide your direction on the road.
What to do when driving in the rain1
- Always make sure your windscreen is clean. If it’s only drizzling and there is not enough water to clean the windscreen, it may smear and reduce your visibility. Always ensure your water bottle for the windscreen is full.
- Turn on your headlights in rainy conditions to make yourself more visible to other drivers.
- Switch on your windscreen wipers when it rains. You can adjust the speed of your windscreen wipers, depending on how hard it is raining.
- If your windows mist up, switch on your demister.
- Drive at a safe following distance and reduce your speed when necessary.
- Drive cautiously on the left-hand side of the road if the rain is really bad and the roads are very wet.
What to do when driving your car in the fog1
- Your visibility is vital when driving through fog. Always ensure that your windscreen is clean.
- Make sure to switch on your vehicle’s headlights. Try to ensure that your car’s high beams are not on, as this creates a glare that may reduce your visibility.
- If the fog is very thick, you might have to switch on your windscreen wipers and demisters.
- Reduce your speed so that you can see far enough ahead and that you are able to stop in time in case of an emergency.
- Check your mirrors regularly.
What to do when driving your car with a sun glare1
- Make sure your windscreen is clean. Any dirt on the windscreen will make the sun reflect off it, reducing your visibility.
- Wear sunglasses and use your car’s sun visor to block out the sun from shining into your eyes.
- If the sun’s glare is really bad, reduce your car’s speed and keep a safe following distance.
- Rather keep to the left lane.
- Be cautious of other cars, pedestrians and cyclists.
- If the sun is really low and you are struggling to see, rather pull off to the side of the road until the sun has lowered and you are able to carry on driving. Make sure to pull right off the road to avoid another car from driving into you.
These are some small tips in order for you to reach your destination safely. If you feel that your visibility is too poor, rather wait for the conditions to improve before you drive. Please drive safely on our roads.
It could also be a good idea to have car insurance cover. Are you looking for car insurance? Why not consider affordable car insurance with PMD?
Advice on Safe Driving in Bad Weather and on Wet Roads! https://t.co/GAqBfGxHmv #ArriveAlive @ReenvalSA @peoples_weather @SAWeatherServic @AfricaWeather_ pic.twitter.com/YrwgdLAuUJ
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 22, 2019
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Source:
https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/resources/29-driving-in-poor-visibility/