Almost all vehicles get affected when driving through the strong wind and rain. Through, experts suggest not to drive in extreme weather, especially, it's better to postpone when you are new to driving. By not doing so, you will be caught unfortunately in the storm, and have to deal with uncertainties. What if you had to go out for some urgent purpose? How to tackle the emergencies on the road? Here are a few things you should be aware of.
Keep Checking the Flow of High Winds: The storm often comes with a sudden rush of high wind. If possible, choose a route that is sheltered by the buildings. There are a number of risks involved with exposed areas like bridge, open countryside etc. come across the gusts. To sustain the high impact of the storm, slow down and have a proper grip on wheels.
Vehicles With High Load: HGVs, lorries, buses, large vans, towing truck or any large vehicles have a higher centre of gravity than small ones. High sided vehicles pose a great risk of instability that causes the swerving effect. If possible, avoid overtaking and wait for a stretch of road that is more sheltered.
Vulnerable Road Users: Cyclist and motorcycle riders user particularly vulnerable in extreme weather conditions. Even if they tend to choose the sheltered roads, strong gusts make them swerve. So, it's better to give them plenty of room and let them overtake only when you have enough space to provide them with. This, in turn, helps you with drive test preparation in Broadmeadows since road safety assessment look for your awareness about other road users.
Country Roads: Whereas it feels pleasant to drive through the bushes in Australian country roads, this can be dangerous in extreme weather conditions when trees fall. So, drive slow in such road conditions keeping the tree bends, fallen debris in mind.
Keep the Strong Grip on Wheels: Unless you're changing the gear, take the proper grip on the wheels. When it comes to bringing control of the car, you would be more noticeable by other road users.
Maintain a Safe Distance: It's a 2-second rule, which is a method to gain a safe following distance from other vehicles on your way. If you maintain at least 2 seconds from the vehicle in front of you, it will provide a distance with a car length per 5 mph. This rule is applicable regardless of the speed, and the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you will extend as faster you both travel. This rule significantly has reduced collision damage. In rough weather, driving lessons in Broadmeadows will teach you to extend the distance to a 4 rule.
Wind can buffet your car. It means you will feel the push and pull from side to side. So, while taking a firm grip over the wheels, drive-in slow and steady speed, and be aware of what's going on around you. Moreover, while driving through built-up areas, you will find household items or bins or trash blown across the road. And, be cautious while taking turns and corners fast. Since high wind reduces the friction between the road and the car, this, in turn, can reduce the car handling ability. So, avoid accelerating.
The author is a qualified driving instructor in Broadmeadows, who offers lessons for drive test preparation as well writes articles and blogs to make beginners pro in driving.
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