New Delhi, Even before the chilly winter could set in, haze and smog have enveloped Delhi in the last few days, while fog still continues in the early morning hours and visibility goes down to 400 meters. Traffic police department records show more than 500 road accidents in 2011 where almost 200 people lost their lives. To combat this situation, every year the traffic police department gears up to create awareness amongst the motorist about safe driving and precautions to take during foggy conditions but it seems like road hogs fail to follow them, especially in the perilous foggy months. This underscores just how dangerous winter driving can be.
November to March are seen to be the busiest months for road travel and highways are packed with holiday vacationers and foreign tourists even when the temperatures plunge and driving can be challenging. So next time you hit the road during adverse weather, consider these top safety tips to follow during your journey.
Slow down- This, always becomes your thumb rule on the road. Slowdown and reduce speed by 50% during a foggy night or early morning hours. If you are at a snowy destination, do not drive too slowly because your car needs momentum to drive through the snow. Keep a light touch on the controls as a smooth operation is the key to be safe on a slippery road. Avoid driving on roads where snow is melting.
Don’t forget the tires- You don’t forget to get your car serviced before a road trip but often forget to turn your attention to the tires. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, thus increasing the risk of accidents. Special snow tires can outperform any regular weather tires. Fog lights for your vehicles can help you in very low visibility conditions but switching them off when visibility has improved should not be forgotten as they dazzle other road users and could obscure your break lights.
Stop frequently - Winter driving can be way more fatiguing than the scorching summer, so stop every two hours for five to ten minutes to improve alertness and clean your windscreen of the fog, manually, both from the outside and inside.
Know your route and weather- Be weather wise and know the current weather development of your city or the city you are traveling to. Just keeping a map and knowing your route on a bad weather night is not enough, find out the road condition hotline numbers and call them up for any probable road closures ahead. They could also help you give info on the nearest fuel pump if you’re low on fuel.
“Every mile is two in winter”, therefore whether you head out for pleasure or work, knowledge, precaution and preparation will keep you guarded and buttoned in an inimical setting.
