If you get caught on the road in bad weather conditions during the festive season, it is important to stick to the rules so you can reach your destination safe and sound.
“Driving in bad weather conditions can cause great danger to motorists,” Capt Fanie Nhlabathi, communications officer of the Standerton Police, said.
According to him, drivers must pull over if it is raining and they can not see the road clearly to avoid causing accidents.
He said motorists must ensure that their vehicles are protected during hail storms.
These are some of the safe driving techniques motorists can use:
1. Make sure your headlights are on, be visible, be seen.
2. Obey all road and traffic signs, safety authorities post this information with good reason.
3. Be alert and drive defensively.
4. Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances.
5. Allow yourself enough time and space to react to a sudden emergency and move from harm’s way, or to come to a stop safely.
6. Increase your following distance, remain well behind the road user in front as stopping distances can be 10 times greater than on dry roads.
7. Slow down, braking takes longer on slippery roads, the slower you go the easier it will be for you to maintain control and stop your vehicle.
8. Do not slow down so much that you become a risk to other drivers, rather move off the road surface than getting to a complete stall in areas of poor visibility.
9. Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them.
10. Use special caution near intersections, never assume that because you have the green light or the right of way that the intersection will be clear – always scan ahead to spot potential hazards.
11. Avoid unnecessary lane changes, stay in one lane as much as possible.
12. Keep two hands firmly on the wheel and two eyes on the road at all times.
Safety tips courtesy of Arrive Alive Road Safety Awareness.
Report bad driving and road conditions at 0861 400 800.
