If you have lived in North Carolina for at least one year, then you have been here long enough to know how crazy the weather can be. One minute it can be sunny and warm outside and within minutes, it can suddenly become overcast with torrential downpours and hail to boot. North Carolina drivers are notorious for not knowing how to drive in inclement weather. If you don't believe me, the next time it rains really hard or begins to snow, as you drive along the roadways, count the number of people who are pulled over to the sides of the roads. While there is a certain amount of caution that must be exercised, people take it to either extreme; either they don't drive at all or they drive too fast. So, what do you do if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse?
Don't Panic
All of us are familiar with the Emergency Broadcast System. You know, it's that system where you'll be watching a program on the television or listening to the radio and suddenly, you'll hear a series of beeps that alert you to let you know that an important message is about to be broadcast. Usually, it's just a ?test? of the system. However, there have been some times when there has been an actual broadcast. For instance, if there is a tornado warning, you will typically hear the beeps. If you happen to be on the road when the weather takes a sudden turn for the worse, it is important not to panic. There is a reason that we are told not to panic. Panicking causes people to lose focus of the things that they should be focusing on. They become irrational and as a result, can't make reasonable, rational decisions, which are critical at that point.
Create Safety if You Can't Get to Safety
If you are in the middle of a highway with no cover and there is a torrential downpour where even the windshield wipers aren't even helping to alleviate the rain on your windshield, then safely pull over to the side of the road until you feel comfortable enough to drive again. Whether the rain is heavy outside or not, it is illegal NOT to have your headlights on when it is raining. Putting your lights on is a safety precaution. It allows other drivers to see you behind them as well as in front of them so that accidents can be avoided, so TURN YOUR LIGHTS ON! As a general rule, anytime your windshield wipers are on, even if they are turned to the ?intermittent? setting, your headlights MUST be turned on.
We cannot control the weather. What we can control, however, is how we react in it. By taking such precautions as not panicking, turning our windshield wipers and head lights on, we are erring on the side of caution. And let's face it, you can never be too cautious when it comes to your safety behind the wheel.
The winter is the worst time for inclement weather, especially in Northern areas of the United States, such as Western Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh, PA is known for its rough winters. Safe driving practices should always be employed when driving, but especially so during the cold winter months where snow and ice make driving hazardous. Safe driving is a conscious decision that every driver needs to make. Part of safe driving new or used cars and trucks includes keeping them properly maintained. If you're driving an older car, it is more likely that you could end up broken down on the side of the road in the freezing cold. However, if you keep up with the maintenance, you can make your old car safer for driving.
Over the winter, our natural inclination is to just stay inside out of the cold. We're less likely to take care of routine things like checking antifreeze or oil. If we keep up with these basic service needs during the winter, our cars will be more likely to run better and save us from getting stranded in a snowstorm. Here are some good maintenance tips to keep in mind:
Check Your Brakes
A car's brakes need to be in good working order during the winter to keep you safe. Sliding over the ice is quite common, especially with smaller cars, and can be even more dangerous when your brakes are shot. When something unexpected happens on the highway, you need to have the ability to stop suddenly. When the road is slushy or icy, this can be difficult. If your brake pads are worn or your brakes aren't functioning properly, you could end up careening into the car in front of you.
Check Your Antifreeze
Coolant is just as important in the winter months as it is in the summer. Antifreeze prevents your engine from overheating and is a vital part to keeping your car running well. Antifreeze is actually combined with water. If the proportions are not even and you have more water than antifreeze, you could damage your engine.
Check Your Tires
The tread on your tires helps your car from sliding across snowy and icy roads. Over time, the tread becomes worn from use, so you must be conscious during the winter months of how much tread is left. During the winter, 1/8? is a general standard of depth for your tread to ensure safe driving. This will greatly help you from getting into an accident or sliding into a ditch. Also, make sure to check your tire pressure periodically. In the cold, the air in your tires compresses and can often make tires a bit flat. Many gas stations offer free air, so take the time to add some air to your tires when necessary.
Check Your Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers also get worn down over time as they fight to keep your view free from rain, sleet, snow, and ice. Windshield wipers are vital for giving you clear vision despite the weather. If your windshield wipers don't seem to be doing the job for you, you need to either slow down or check your windshield washer fluid. If the washer fluid is low or out, your windshield wipers will not be able to do an efficient job cleaning off your windshield. Unlike antifreeze, however, water does not mix with or substitute for washer fluid. Cold weather will cause the water to freeze on your windshield rather than clean it.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Have you ever thought you still had a quarter tank of gas left in your car, but after you come out of work, the gas light is on? If your car is low on gas, what is left in the tank can freeze. Then you'll really be stuck, stranded somewhere. Save yourself some anxiety and potential danger by making sure to keep your gas tank full.
Keep Track of Your Car's Maintenance
Time often escapes us in our busy lives. We think we may have just had an oil change, but really, that was 10 months ago. How do you keep all your car's maintenance needs in order? Keep a log or journal to track the dates, expenses, and maintenance history for your car. This way, you can be sure about what was done and estimate when you need to have more work done in the future. Always make sure your battery is working well, your spark plug wires are functioning, and you are not low on engine oil. These are routinely checked when you have your oil changed.
A snowy, icy day is the worst time for an accident. While accidents are never well-timed, in the winter, accidents are more likely to happen, can cause injury more easily, and more difficult for medical help to get to. Stay safe during the winter by driving slowly and keeping your car properly maintained.
Both Brenda Williams & Kristin Kronstain are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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