Based on data gathered between 2005 and 2014, the United States Department of Transport (USDOT or DOT) has concluded that auto accidents caused by adverse weather are more deadly than all large-scale weather disasters combined each year, with about 1,259,000 of 5,748,000 vehicle crashes related to hazardous weather.
Even skilled drivers are at high risk of getting involved in car crashes as their skills as drivers can only do so much, especially when their vision and mobility are handicapped. Most of the time, snow, rain, and fog reduce visibility, resulting in drivers not seeing the front of their vehicles, other cars in front of them or behind them, and even pedestrians crossing, which can be factors that can lead to road accidents.
However, besides reducing visibility, inclement weather can also diminish the driver’s steering and mobility. Therefore, drivers must be extra careful when driving in bad weather. And the best way to keep themselves safe is to adopt the best driving practices when driving in inclement weather conditions.
Every weather scenario has its specific safety measures. For example, when driving in the rain, vehicle drivers should slow down by at least 5 to 10 miles per hour (mph); and turn on their headlights, even during the day. They should also feather the brakes to avoid skidding; and pay extra attention to their steering, especially when switching lanes or making sharp turns.
Accordingly, drivers should avoid tailgating or staying too close to the car in front when driving in the snow or ice as it can result in their vehicles rear-ending the vehicle in front. They should also slowly decelerate and brake gradually to avoid slides; and when driving towards a corner, slow down to avoid skidding.
Besides employing safety precautions, drivers should also consider their car’s condition before hitting the road. When a vehicle is in good driving condition, it can prevent the risk of breaking down in the middle of the road. Regular maintenance checks, especially during wintertime, assures that the car components are in the right condition to withstand the cold.
Drivers checking up their cars should inspect their car’s battery, radiator, engine, and fuel management system, including the fuel injectors. Fuel injectors are considered significant components in the fuel management system that can cause trouble to the whole engine and fuel system when it becomes faulty.
Faulty injectors can decrease engine performance and power, increase fuel consumption, and cause other problems, such as stalling a car to start. Drivers can consider replacing these fuel injectors to prevent severe engine damage. Cummins injectors are available for vehicles with Cummins engines. Meanwhile, Duramax injectors are also sold in the market for cars with Duramax engines.
Accidents happen unexpectedly, and many people do not often realize that no matter how good they are at driving, they are still at risk. It is crucial to follow traffic rules and regulations, which guide drivers to safety and implement safety precautions to reduce their risk of getting involved in a vehicular accident. This infographic from Pure Diesel Power discusses what drivers can do to stay safe when driving during bad weather.
