Winter is a beautiful season but it can make the roads treacherous for drivers in Atlanta. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Road Management Program states that 22 percent of the over 5 million car crashes that occur each year are caused by weather conditions. These conditions include rain, fog, sleet, snow and ice. To reduce their risk of getting into a collision, drivers should adhere to four tips.
The first tip drivers should do is check their windshield wipers and tires according to Smart Motorist. Windshield wipers can become brittle over time, and interfere with their reliability which can make it harder for drivers to see. To prevent this, they should be changed once a year. With tires, it is a good idea for drivers to make sure that they have them rotated on a regular basis and replace tires that show signs of wear and tear. This can give drivers better traction on wet or icy roads.
The second tip is that drivers need to reduce their speed and following distance. A wet surface will delay the stopping time and distance for cars, and if drivers are following a car too closely, they risk hitting the back of the other car. Additionally, if there are puddles, drivers could experience visibility problems from large amounts of water getting splashed on their windshield.
The third tip involves taking step to improve one’s visibility. Whether it is snowing or raining, it is a good idea to turn on the headlights, even if the car has day lights. This will allow other drivers to see the vehicle from behind or in front, and is especially important for light colored cars that may blend into the weather conditions or background.
The fourth tip is to avoid hitting the brakes unless it is absolutely necessary. Instead, it is better to shift the vehicle into a lower gear and let the vehicle slow down naturally. Then, when drivers have to hit the brake pedal, they should gently tap it before they apply full force to it.
