Tactical Driving Tips

The winter and driving shopping season is right around the corner. We need to remember that in the winter, with snow and freezing conditions, our driving tactics need to change. Accidents will occur on the snow and ice that wouldn't on dry pavement. This article will cover the important things to remember and how to drive safely.

The most important thing that everyone needs to remember is that you cannot stop as fast on icy or snow covered pavement. You need to drive slower which will give you more time to slow down. When you need to come to a stop anywhere give yourself more time by starting to slow down earlier than usual. When driving behind other vehicles make sure that you leave a bigger distance between you and the vehicle in front. This way you will have more time to slow down and also react to unexpected stops.

Slow down everywhere and anything that you do. Take turns slower, drive on straight roads slower and slow down alittle even on slight curves in the road. Anytime you have to turn that steering wheel ease of the gas appropiately. You need to be deliberate in all your actions. Anytime that you need to push on the pedals, gas or brake, do it easily and steady. When making a turn ease that steering wheel slowly and don't make fast jerky movements.

Always be aware of your road conditions. Even when it is not snowing the road will ice up in places where there is moisture. This will happen more during the overnight hours when it is colder and there is no sunlight. Sometimes a spot will look just wet but is is actually ice, "black ice" as we know it. Be aware of bridges and overpasses. These road surfaces are always colder and therefore freezes up first. If you do find yourself on ice just coast, don't brake or turn the wheel, until you pass over it.

Drive defensively. Always be on the lookout for other motorists that are making all of the mistakes. Approach intersections cautiously looking for other skidding vehicles. Keep an eye in your rear view mirror for vehicles hitting you from behind. Keep enough distance away from everyone so you don't become part of their accident.

Even after taking all your precautions you will eventually find yourself involved in a sliding situation. When you do, DON'T PANIC! Take your foot of the gas and don't hit the brakes. You then want to steer your car into the skid. People always hear that but don't know what to do anyway. If you are driving straight and the rear of your vehicle is sliding to the left and the front of the vehicle to the right, then you need to countersteer your car to the left. If the car corrects itself then straighten the wheel back out. Sometimes the car will over correct itself and now it is sliding the other way. If this happens just countersteer again in the opposite direction.

Follow these tips and hopefully you won't become the next accident statistic. People with suv's are not immune to these rules. Remember not to drink and drive, stay off of your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt.

About the Author:
Joseph Garrio works in law enforcement and owns his own auction and shopping website where you can buy or sell items from your home. Visit it at http://www.onlineauctionandshopping.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Driving conditions and the changing of the seasons

Driving conditions and the changing of the seasons

Over the past few weeks the weather has taken a turn. The sky is grey more often than it is blue and there is a damp chill in the air. The seasons are changing and the UK is on the verge of yet another dreary winter, in fact this winter is predicted to be exceptionally long and cold. We're all used to it by now, but unfortunately our resignation and acceptance of wet winters doesn't mean that we adjust to the changes in driving conditions quite as easily. There are 6,393 more accidents involving cars on the UK's roads in winter than there are during the summer months. A frightening statistic which clearly shows why we all need to buckle up and drive more carefully when it's cold out.

We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be. One minute the sun will be shining and the birds singing, the next minute you'll be struggling to see out of the car window because of freezing fog or driving rain. Situations like this are precarious as icy and wet roads make it difficult to stop quickly and low visibility results in collisions. It is recommended that you stay at home and avoid unnecessary car journeys when the weather conditions take a nose dive. However, many people simply cannot avoid leaving home for whatever reason. If this applies to you there are some vital safety measures that you should take to avoid being involved in a car accident.

Adjust your driving to suit the weather

* Wet roads make stopping distances a least double those required to stop on a dry road because your tyres will have less grip. To prevent a car accident from happening you should keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Instead of the normal 2 second rule you should leave at least a 4 second gap in between you.

* If the weather is icy or snowy you should try to avoid driving if you can. If you do have to venture out make sure you have provisions for an emergency. You should carry a spade, warm clothing, food, a warm drink and a torch. You should make sure that you can see out of all your windows. You must drive extremely slowly and keep a safe distance from other cars as stopping distances can be ten times greater than in normal conditions.

* On an icy road you should drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible. Braking should be done extremely gently. Take extra care around bends.

* In windy weather you should drive carefully and be very aware of other vehicles especially high sided vehicles and motorcyclists.

* When it's foggy your main problem is the complete lack of visibility that you might encounter. You should use your fog lights remembering to switch them off as soon as you leave the fog. You should keep a safe distance from other road users and realise that you may not be able to judge the speed of other vehicles. You should slow down using your brakes so that the drivers behind you can see that you are slowing down.

In the worst case scenario you should take into consideration that you might get stuck. Bad weather can cause traffic and cars often break down because of the conditions or due to mechanical faults. If you do get into a situation like this there are a few key things to do to keep you safe.

* If you can, use a motorway emergency phone as the emergency services or breakdown services will be able to locate you more easily.

* Stay with your vehicle so that your car doesn't obstruct snow ploughs and rescue vehicles.

* If you do have to leave the car make sure that you're visible.

* Don't keep your engine on in order to stay warm.

In an ideal world we would all be able to stay at home with a cup of cocoa and work on a lap top. Sadly this type of luxury doesn't extend to everybody, so braving the elements becomes a necessity. If you simply have to go to work or have to pick the kids up from school when it's icy and cold, then follow the tips above to make sure you get to your destination in one piece.

If you are involved in an accident during the winter months then help is at hand. Car Accident Advice Line, www.car-accident-claim.com can help you out of a sticky situation. If you need to make a personal injury claim or need a replacement car, then they will be of assistance.

ENDS-

Editorial notes:

Car Accident Adviceline www.car-accident-claim.com, 0808 143 43 42, is an independent company that works towards claiming compensation for people who have had a non fault car accident. Their services are completely free to use as all car hire charges and legal fees are recovered from the person at faults' insurance company or written off.

About the Author:
Sophie Evans - Car Accident Adviceline http://www.car-accident-claim.com/ 0808 143 43 42 - Claiming compensation for people involved in non-fault accidents.
Submitted: 2005-10-11
Article Source: Go Articles

TCC Tip: Night Driving

Don’t just take a stab in the dark.

Between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. is the riskiest time for crashes, because there are fewer drivers yet more accidents than any other time of the day. Holidays and vacations may put you in situations where you want to drive through the night to get somewhere, but if you do intend to drive at night, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Safe night driving requires preparation, alertness, and a heavy dose of common sense.

Make sure your headlights are properly aimed. Check with your car's service manual or a professional for the proper procedure. Also make sure all other lights work.

Keep your headlights and windshield clean. Being able to see other cars and be seen by other drivers helps a lot! If it's bug season, stop and wipe them off at each break.

Don't overdrive your headlights. Especially when driving on smaller roads without reflector strips, follow a four-second rule. Take note of where the far reach of your low beams are, then count four seconds. If you pass that original place in less than four seconds, then you are going too fast. Two to three seconds may be an acceptable range for major highways with reflector strips. Remember that posted speed limits are for driving in daylight with dry road conditions.

Use high beams wisely. The use of high-beam headlights when there isn't oncoming traffic can extend the time that you have to react to hazards. Never use your high beams because the high beams of the oncoming car stay on. This will only increase the chances of a head-on crash.

Don't look at oncoming headlights. Focus on the edges of oncoming traffic and bright objects, as staring directly into headlights can blind you for up to five seconds until your eyes adjust.

Look around. Keep your eyes moving from side to side, rather than focusing only on the centerline and the road ahead, to help your eyes stay adjusted to the dark and avoid falling victim to "highway hypnosis," a state in which reaction time is greatly impaired.

Wear sunglasses during the day. Wearing sunglasses during bright days helps keep your eyes more sensitive for driving in the dark.

Always carry flares or reflectors for a breakdown. Keep them in a place where they can be easily accessed in an emergency.

If you're tired, get off the road and sleep. If you feel sleepy, caffeine can never be a substitute for sleep, nor is loud music or rolling down the windows. Pull over and rest, and stop every two hours for a break out of the car even if you're not feeling sleepy. Don't set out on a trip tired. Change your schedule and get some rest first.

Another important reminder: When days suddenly get much shorter due to the end of Daylight Saving Time, more pedestrians are out walking in the dark during peak evening traffic hours. "Drivers have to be especially careful...because pedestrian fatalities have been shown each year to quadruple during the period just after Daylight Saving Time ends," said Jim Rink of AAA Michigan, citing an American Journal of Public Health report. Remember to turn your headlights on by dusk and slow down!

About the Author:
Bengt Halvorson
Publishing: 2006-07-17
Article Source: TheCarConnection.com