1. Inclement Weather Driving Safety

2. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Each year in this country, there are more than 41,000 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Safety Council.
There are also more than 2.4 million disabling injuries from these crashes, many of which occur during inclement weather driving conditions.

3. Inclement Weather Can Include:
Rain, Thunderstorms, Flooding
Night Driving
Fog
Windstorms
Hail
Ice and Snow

4. Best Advice For Driving in Bad Weather:
Don’t drive at all if you can avoid it!!

5. Headlights On In Bad Weather!

6. Rain, Thunderstorms, Flooding
Slow down, increase following distance
Easy on the gas, brakes and steering
If possible, avoid standing water
Run defroster to keep windows clear
Pull well off if you must, turn flashers on
Never drive with flashers on!!

7. Hydroplaning
No steering, braking, or power control……..

8. Rain, Thunderstorms, Flooding
Hydroplaning
Tire tread can’t scatter water fast enough
Tire “floats” on a film of water
Can occur on any wet road surface
Most dangerous time is within the first ten minutes of a light rain – oil residue mixes with the rain to create very slippery road

9. If Your Vehicle Starts Hydroplaning
Don’t panic
Don’t slam on the brakes
Do take your foot off the accelerator
Do gradually apply the brakes

10. Tips To Avoid Hydroplaning
Keep Tires Inflated Properly
Slow down – Stay under 35 mph
Stay out of outer lanes where water is
Drive in tire tracks left by those in front
Avoid hard braking
Don’t make sharp or quick turns

11. Unfamiliar Conditions
Business travel may take you to areas with unfamiliar driving conditions.

12. Snow, Hail and Ice
Always carry an ice scraper – credit cards don’t work well enough.

13. Snow, Hail and Ice
Slowing down gives you more reaction time, and makes your vehicle less likely to slide.
Brake carefully. Slow down during the straight part of a road before a curve.
Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
Antilock brakes need constant, firm pressure

14. Night Driving Slow down a bit – your vision is impaired
Increase following distance
Dim high beams if there is other traffic

15. Foggy Conditions Stay to the right of the roadway
Remember, Headlights On
Use only low beams to reduce reflection

16. Driving in High Wind Conditions
Trailers, vans, and high-profile vehicles can be dangerous to drive or be near.

17. Tornados, Hurricanes Never try to outrun a tornado. Find shelter.
Hurricanes give plenty of warning. Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate if you have to.

18. Distractions…
Driving during great weather while eating, drinking, talking or texting is extremely dangerous.
Mixing these activities with bad weather is just plain dumb – don’t risk it. You need to focus all your attention on driving.

19. Be Prepared for unexpected bad weather - Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”
Get a tune-up. Check hoses and belts.
Check the battery.
Connections clean and tight
Securely mounted – holders can corrode
If over three years old, test, replace if weak
Check the heater and defroster
Important for keeping windshield clear
Check the rear defroster too

20. Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”
Have brakes checked.
Have an expert evaluate them for safety
Check exhaust system for leaks.
Have an expert look at this system also
Carbon monoxide leaks can be fatal
Check fluids
Windshield washer – Front and Rear
Oil, brake, clutch, radiator, transmission

21. Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”
Evaluate the wiper blades
Replace when they start to harden or squeak
Consider upgrading to rubber coated snow blades to handle extra weight of wet snow

22. Tires Are Your Link to the Road
Check All the Tires
Tire Pressure
Tread Depth

23. Always Carry an Emergency Kit
Warning Flares or Triangles
Blankets/Emergency Blankets
Gloves
Flashlight and Batteries
First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher
Jumper Cables
Snacks, candle, matches
Roll of Duct Tape

24. Inclement Weather Driving Summary
Don’t drive at all if you can avoid it
Make sure your vehicle is in top repair
Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle.
Turn headlights on
Help maintain vehicle control by slowing down, braking and steering cautiously

25. Watch out for the unexpected!