Weigh Up your Options
Is your journey really necessary? Listen to local weather reports and first make sense of how bad your journey could get. If you still need make your journey, prepare with these steps and ensure that you take regular breaks in order to regain your focus. Driving in Stormy Weather can make you tired, so leave in plenty of time to take breaks into consideration.
Keep your Distance
Handling on the roads becomes heavier once gusts of wind become involved. When driving in stormy conditions, ensure that you keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, and that you have a firm grip of the steering wheel, this will keep you from swerving if you do get hit by a side wind at any given time.
Be Careful of Aquaplaning
Water on road surfaces means that you are more at risk of aquaplaning. This is when the car keeps moving after you have braked due to your speed and the smooth road surface. To avoid this from happening, reduce your speed and be careful of excess water on the surface of the road. If your vehicle has poor traction on its wheels, you may benefit from hiring a car that has better traction, especially if you are travelling a long distance in stormy weather.
Focus on the Road & Other Road Users
Although you may be extra careful in a storm, it doesn’t mean that others are the same. Watch out for other road users and leave plenty of distance between you the car in front of you.
Nothing can destroy your focus more than panicking when driving. It can make for more mistakes on the road and puts other road users at risk. To avoid over panicking about driving, take regular breaks and remember to calm down.
Be Prepared
Before driving in a storm, be prepared for the onset of snow, heavy rain, wind and lightning. Make sure that your phone is charged before your journey; that you have a flashlight, a spare tire, and a hazard triangle in your vehicle before a long journey.
Guest post by Gina Kay Daniel
