Inclement Weather Inclement Weather Driving SafetyDriving Safety

Inclement Weather Inclement Weather Driving SafetyDriving Safety

Motor Vehicle AccidentsMotor Vehicle AccidentsMotor Vehicle AccidentsMotor Vehicle Accidents

• Each year in this country, there are more than 41,000 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Safety Council.

• There are also more than 2.4 million disabling injuries from these crashes, many of which occur during inclement weather driving conditions.

Inclement Weather Can Include:Inclement Weather Can Include:Inclement Weather Can Include:Inclement Weather Can Include:

• Rain, Thunderstorms, Flooding

• Night Driving

• Fog

• Windstorms

• Hail

• Ice and Snow

Best Advice For Driving in Bad Weather:Best Advice For Driving in Bad Weather:Best Advice For Driving in Bad Weather:Best Advice For Driving in Bad Weather:

Don’t drive at all if you can avoid it!!Don’t drive at all if you can avoid it!!

Headlights On In Bad Weather!Headlights On In Bad Weather!Headlights On In Bad Weather!Headlights On In Bad Weather!

Rain, Thunderstorms, FloodingRain, Thunderstorms, FloodingRain, Thunderstorms, FloodingRain, Thunderstorms, Flooding

• Slow down, increase following distance

• Easy on the gas, brakes and steering

• If possible, avoid standing water

• Run defroster to keep windows clear

• Pull well off if you must, turn flashers on

• Never drive with flashers on!!

HydroplaningHydroplaningHydroplaningHydroplaning

No steering, braking, or power control……..

Rain, Thunderstorms, FloodingRain, Thunderstorms, FloodingRain, Thunderstorms, FloodingRain, Thunderstorms, Flooding

Hydroplaning• Tire tread can’t scatter water fast enough

• Tire “floats” on a film of water

• Can occur on any wet road surface

• Most dangerous time is within the first ten minutes of a light rain – oil residue mixes with the rain to create very slippery road

If Your Vehicle Starts HydroplaningIf Your Vehicle Starts HydroplaningIf Your Vehicle Starts HydroplaningIf Your Vehicle Starts Hydroplaning

• Don’t panic

• Don’t slam on the brakes

• Do take your foot off the accelerator

• Do gradually apply the brakes

Tips To Avoid HydroplaningTips To Avoid HydroplaningTips To Avoid HydroplaningTips To Avoid Hydroplaning

• Keep Tires Inflated Properly

• Slow down – Stay under 35 mph

• Stay out of outer lanes where water is

• Drive in tire tracks left by those in front

• Avoid hard braking

• Don’t make sharp or quick turns

Unfamiliar ConditionsUnfamiliar ConditionsUnfamiliar ConditionsUnfamiliar Conditions

Business travel may take you to areas with unfamiliar driving conditions.

Snow, Hail and IceSnow, Hail and IceSnow, Hail and IceSnow, Hail and Ice

Always carry an ice scraper – credit cards don’t work well enough.

Snow, Hail and IceSnow, Hail and IceSnow, Hail and IceSnow, Hail and Ice

• Slowing down gives you more reaction time, and makes your vehicle less likely to slide.

• Brake carefully. Slow down during the straight part of a road before a curve.

• Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.

• Antilock brakes need constant, firm pressure

Night DrivingNight DrivingNight DrivingNight Driving

• Slow down a bit – your vision is impaired

• Increase following distance

• Dim high beams if there is other traffic

Foggy ConditionsFoggy ConditionsFoggy ConditionsFoggy Conditions

• Stay to the right of the roadway

• Remember, Headlights On

• Use only low beams to reduce reflection

Driving in High Wind ConditionsDriving in High Wind ConditionsDriving in High Wind ConditionsDriving in High Wind Conditions

Trailers, vans, and high-profile vehicles can be dangerous to drive or be near.

Tornados, HurricanesTornados, HurricanesTornados, HurricanesTornados, Hurricanes

• Never try to outrun a tornado. Find shelter.• Hurricanes give plenty of warning. Don’t wait

until the last minute to evacuate if you have to.

Distractions…Distractions…Distractions…Distractions…

• Driving during great weather while eating, drinking, talking or texting is extremely dangerous.

• Mixing these activities with bad weather is just plain dumb – don’t risk it. You need to focus all your attention on driving.

Be Prepared for unexpected bad weather - Be Prepared for unexpected bad weather - Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”

Be Prepared for unexpected bad weather - Be Prepared for unexpected bad weather - Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”

• Get a tune-up. Check hoses and belts.

• Check the battery. • Connections clean and tight• Securely mounted – holders can corrode• If over three years old, test, replace if weak

• Check the heater and defroster• Important for keeping windshield clear• Check the rear defroster too

Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”

Have brakes checked. • Have an expert evaluate them for safety

Check exhaust system for leaks.• Have an expert look at this system also• Carbon monoxide leaks can be fatal

Check fluids• Windshield washer – Front and Rear• Oil, brake, clutch, radiator, transmission

Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”

Evaluate the wiper blades• Replace when they start to harden or squeak

• Consider upgrading to rubber coated snow blades to handle extra weight of wet snow

Tires Are Your Link to the RoadTires Are Your Link to the RoadTires Are Your Link to the RoadTires Are Your Link to the Road

Check All the Tires

Tire PressureTread Depth

Always Carry an Emergency KitAlways Carry an Emergency KitAlways Carry an Emergency KitAlways Carry an Emergency Kit

• Warning Flares or Triangles

• Blankets/Emergency Blankets

• Gloves

• Flashlight and Batteries

• First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher

• Jumper Cables

• Snacks, candle, matches

• Roll of Duct Tape

Inclement Weather Driving SummaryInclement Weather Driving SummaryInclement Weather Driving SummaryInclement Weather Driving Summary

• Don’t drive at all if you can avoid it

• Make sure your vehicle is in top repair

• Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle.

• Turn headlights on

• Help maintain vehicle control by slowing down, braking and steering cautiously

Watch out for the unexpected!Watch out for the unexpected!Watch out for the unexpected!Watch out for the unexpected!