Some days, the weather can be brutal and a cheerful sunny day can soon turn into a vicious dust storm.

At some point in our life, all of us find ourselves driving through extreme conditions. It’s quite an experience. Here are some tips taught in Arizona’s driving schools for facing dangerous conditions:

  • Always remember that a light drizzle is more dangerous that pouring rain; chances of skidding are highest with damp (not wet) roads.
  • Never apply forceful brakes on a slippery road. Always pump the break in slow steady strokes to reduce speed instead of coming to a complete halt.
  • If driving in reduced visibility due to fog or a dust storm, turn on your headlights and drive slower than usual.
  • When met with conditions like a fog, drive with low beams, as the area closest to the ground is where visibility is better otherwise you would be reflecting your high beam off the fog.
  • If you ever have the misfortune of having a tire blow out on you, stay calm.  Hold the steering wheel steady and with a strong arm; don’t lose control of it. Slowing remove your foot from the accelerator and slowly apply the brakes. Turn on your hazard lights as well.
  • It doesn’t happen often but you may find your brake pedal sink to the base, to get it back to normal, pump the brakes as it will increase the pressure. If that doesn’t work then use your parking brake (hand brake). You could also push your car in a lower gear to force it to slow down.
  • While driving up a steep road or rugged terrain, always use a lower gear (for manual cars) as you require power over speed.
  • Drive within the range of your headlights at night. The distance we see is greatly reduced in the night, hence it is advisable to drive in a manner that requires you to drive at a speed which gives you time to safely bring your vehicle to a stop.
  • Make sure your car is equipped for the weather you are about to face. If rainy season is approaching, make sure your headlights and tail lights are working as well as your windshield wipers.
  • Check for traction control on your tires. If you notice any smoothing out or “baldness” of tires, get them replaced. Chances of skidding are much higher, and you may lose control of the vehicle.

 

In order to understand all these tips in a more practical setting, enroll in driving classes in Arizona.

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