POLOKWANE – Did you wake up this morning thinking it was still the middle of the night?
Were you ready to get back into bed?
Don’t worry, it’s just a little morning mist. But, remember, driving in mist can be tricky, especially because visibility is decreased.
Read more: Weather for the Week
Here are a few tips to remember so that you keep you and your family safe on the road.
Seeing and being seen are fundamental pre-requisites for the safety of all road users. Inadequate visibility is an important factor that influences the risk of a road crash among all types of road users.
In South Africa approximately 40% of road fatalities are pedestrian fatalities and accident investigations often reveal that the pedestrians have not been visible to motorists.
When driving, it is important to consider local conditions.
It is important for motorists not only to concentrate on their own ability to see – but also on the ability of other motorists and road users to see them.
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Daytime running lights have been shown to be a cost-effective intervention in many countries in the northern hemisphere.
- Switch your lights on, it can help you see other cars and other cars see you.
- It is easier to see cars in low light situations – especially oncoming vehicles
- It is easier to spot cars in glare, shade, dusk, etc. when the vehicles drive with their lights on
- Your attention is grabbed a bit faster and it gives a few spilt seconds more to react, adjust etc – split seconds that could make a difference in dangerous situations
Most of us not caught off-guard by sudden changes in weather have the option whether to confront these challenging driving conditions or rather to avoid them.
For those who need to be on the road it is essential to plan ahead for the drive! Driving in bad weather usually takes longer and is more stressful. Not allowing enough time to reach the destination will increase your stress level and could adversely affect your driving.
In adverse weather conditions it is even more important to be alert, using all your senses to identify potential dangers.
- The driver needs to have clear vision – make sure you are able to see!
- Always remember – if you cannot see a safe distance ahead you should not be driving.
- In traffic with limited visibility you should also be able to listen to traffic.
- Avoid loud music on the radio and other driver distractions.
Once you get caught on the road in bad weather conditions it is important to follow the following safe driving techniques:
- Make sure your headlights are on –Be Visible Be Seen!
- Obey all road and traffic signs- Safety authorities post this information with good reason.
- Be alert and drive defensively.
- Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances.
- 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.
- Increase your following distance – Remain well behind the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.
- 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.
Remember, safety comes first always.
This information was provided by Arrive Alive.
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