Over the years, vehicle safety has progressed for the better. Seatbelts and airbags are standard in all vehicles, crumple zones are highly advanced, and many vehicles are fitted with a variety of sensors to keep you safe. However, the road can often throw hazards your way, so it’s your duty to recognize and avoid them.
Wet Roads After Long Droughts
If you were to look at the surface of the road closely, you’d find a caked layer of oil, grease, and grime that increases during a long, dry spell. When it finally rains, these contaminants turn into slippery patches that can often be highly dangerous. Be mindful of your speed when it rains and always make sure your tires have optimal tread.
Wildlife
The first step to avoiding issues with wildlife that dart out onto the road is recognizing that they tend to be more active during the late night to early morning periods. This means driving much more carefully during these hours. If a wild animal rushes in front of you, avoid jerking your wheel. Instead, hit the brakes, hold your steering wheel firmly, and honk your horn.
Floods
Each year, countless vehicles are lost in floods due to reckless driving. If you come to a point on the road where water has accumulated and made driving through a hazard, turn around and find an alternate route.
Sleepiness
Driving while tired is a danger to you, your passengers, and other vehicles. If you’re on the road and feel sleepy, take a break. Pull over, drink some water, take a walk, stretch, and take a short rest if it’s safe to do so.
