Caught in bad weather? Here is how to handle it

With the weather changing dramatically around the world, it’s not uncommon for people to encounter unexpected rains, fog, snow and dust storms. The problem is, a lot of drivers are either not equipped or trained to drive in such adverse weather conditions which could result in serious road accidents. 

Your car is your responsibility when you take it out on the road so it’s important to be aware of special driving tips in pouring rain, fog and dust storms to ensure yours and your fellow drivers’ safety. 

Fog  

Fog is a common occurrence during winters but it can make driving really difficult even for the most expert drivers since it can restrict your visibility to a few feet depending on its density. This goes without saying that the best practice is to drive slow and maintain a bit more distance from the vehicle ahead than you normally would. This would allow you to stop in time in case the vehicle ahead of you suddenly stops. 

A common misconception among drivers is to turn on the high beam when surrounded by dense fog which is completely wrong. Switching to high beam headlights would seriously disrupt your vision because the fog consists of tiny droplets that reflect light right back to you. What you want to see is the road ahead for which you need low light beams or fog lights. 

Use your windshield wipers and turn up your defroster to maintain a clear vision. It’s also a good idea to roll down the window a bit to make yourself aware of your surroundings. If the situation gets worse, do consider to wait it out by parking your vehicle in a safe spot. 

Strong Winds  

We have all had a good laugh at the videos of people getting swept off of their feet in strong winds but these winds can actually create some really dangerous driving conditions. From blowing debris on the roads to destabilizing the vehicle, strong winds are notorious for making drivers’ jobs a lot more difficult. 

If you happen to pass through an area prone to high speed winds,  hold tightly onto your steering wheel to make sure your vehicle doesn’t get blown sideways from the wind pressure especially if you drive a large vehicle as they are more likely to get affected by these winds. 

Watch out for the debris, downed power lines or any other potential hazards that can prove out to be fatal and inform the concerned authorities. 

Sandstorm 

 The Gulf region is not unfamiliar with sandstorms, they generally occur twice a year and unleash havoc. Although they only last a few minutes, that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. They carry countless sand and other particles that can turn out to be extremely hazardous which is why it’s important that you keep your windows closed. 

If you can, try to get off the road and wait till the storm passes. If by any chance you are caught in a sandstorm, be sure to drive slow and concentrate solely on the road ahead. 

While the weather conditions may vary and change suddenly for worse, what you can do on your part is be prepared for anything that you could possibly encounter on the way. Check your car tires and other parts such as vipers, front and backlights every once in a while to ensure they are in working condition.