Driving and the Elements

Driving a motor vehicle is a difficult task to do even on the most pleasant of sunny days. Car drivers must constantly be vigilant about road hazards such as inattentive drivers, objects in the road, projectile objects, speed changes and badly groomed roads or highways. With all of these things and more to worry about as a driver, adding bad weather to the list can cause many people to lose their cool. While driving in the elements is a risky and fairly difficult thing to manage, if you can remember a few vital tips about weather and your vehicle, you will greatly improve your chances of braving the storm unscathed.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

The best way to avoid a car wreck when the weather is foul is staying out of the car completely. In other words, if the weather is nasty, don't drive unless it is absolutely necessary. Bad conditions outside are when wrecks are most likely to occur. Especially if the weather is unusual for your geographic area and drivers are not used to operating their vehicles in the outside conditions. One of the greatest dangers in bad weather is actually out of control drivers rather than the weather itself.

The most common element that leads to car wrecks is rain. Rain can cause hydroplaning, impaired visibility and flooding. If you are in a storm, remember the following:

• If your vehicle hydroplanes, do NOT step on the breaks. Keep the steering wheel steady and continue forward

• NEVER try to cross flooded areas with your car. Many drivers think that their cars can make it and end up being dragged down flooded areas

• If rain gets so severe that your visibility is impaired, get OFF the road. Pull over and wait for the rain to subside

Fog

Bad fog is another situation where it is better to wait it out. Lights can seem multiplied and rear end wrecks are common. If you have to drive, turn off any distractions such as cell phones or music and turn your fog lamps on along with low beams.

Ice

Ice that appears invisible is called black ice. It often occurs on bridges and can cause complete loss of control. Ice can cause vehicles to slide through lanes of traffic or even off of bridges and overpasses. If you must drive in icy conditions, always put ice or snow chains on your vehicle and drive slowly.

For more information on driving in the elements, contact Madison area attorneys.

Joseph Devine

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