On the road, all drivers face roadside hazards and risky situations. Anyone driving on a highway can tell you about the dangers posed by potholes, tree limbs, and other obstacles. The best way to prevent a car accident is to be attentive on the roads and to drive defensively. If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself stuck in adverse driving conditions, it’s almost always better to remain inside your vehicle rather than get out. This will ensure that you are protected in case of a strong gust of wind or rain storm.
Police advise drivers not to leave their vehicles unless they are offered assistance by trained responders such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical teams or tow-truck drivers. Before exiting your vehicle, check for hazardous objects on the road that may be difficult to see from inside your car window. Tires tend to explode when debris hits, and compacted water can become ice in minutes, causing the vehicle to slide and lose traction against the pavement. If your vehicle becomes incapacitated, call for a “towing company near me”, and Marietta Wrecker Service will arrive quickly to help you and your vehicle to safety.
Be Cautious Of These Dangerous Road Hazards
1. Water Puddles
Large water puddles can pose a major hazard to motorists. They can hide potholes or other dangerous hazards that could cause an accident. If possible, stay away from large puddles. Don’t drive through them if they’re too deep to see what’s underneath them. If you have no choice but to drive through a large puddle, go slowly so that you don’t splash water up onto yourself or your windshields (and possibly blind yourself). By doing this, your likelihood of hydro-planning also increases. Hydro-planning can lead to accidents that cause serious injury or death. So when approaching a potentially hazardous puddle, slow down and take caution.
2. Shoulder Edge Drop-Off
This can be a major issue for drivers on highways, interstates and secondary roads. The edge drop-off is created when vehicles drive too close to a guardrail, and their tires hit the lip of an asphalt embankment, causing them to run off the road or tip over. This can cause serious damage to your vehicle and possibly even cause an accident involving other motorists if they aren’t paying attention.
3. Potholes
Potholes are one of the most common road hazards on American highways. They are caused by water seeping into cracks and freezing, expanding, and breaking the concrete apart. All potholes are dangerous to drivers who don’t notice them in time. Your car could lose control or blow out a tire when hitting a deep pothole at high speed.
4. Fog
Fog is one of the most common causes of road accidents. The best you can do is avoid driving in such conditions. If you have no choice, make sure you drive slowly and have your fog lights on. Be extremely careful while switching lanes, and never stop on a busy road. Limited visibility can be deadly. Additionally, if you need that extra bit of comfort during fog, turn on your hazard lights while driving. This can allow other motorists to see you better.
5. Improper Lighting
If you notice that your headlights aren’t bright enough, consider getting them replaced or cleaned ASAP. If needed, have them inspected by a local and trusted mechanic. The lights might have run their course and need to be replaced with newer bulbs for maximum efficiency.
6. Construction Zones
Construction zones tend to have workers who may not always pay attention to their surroundings. It’s required by law to slow down while driving through a construction zone. Being aware and not distracted can make a big difference in case a worker walks out in front of you on accident. Be sure to slow down and stay alert in these areas, especially if workers are present!
7. Small Roads & Big Trucks
Sharing the road with giant trucks is always scary. There are so many things that can go wrong, causing major accidents. Try to avoid staying in the blind spots of 18-wheelers. Try and pass once it’s safe and be sure the truck driver gives you enough space. Make sure to give plenty of space if the trucker is turning or switching lanes. Additionally, never jump in front of a major truck during traffic. These trucks need more space to stop and if you jump in front of them, they are likely to run into you. Be safe and be aware of your surroundings.
8. Sun Glare
Sun glare can be one of the most uncomfortable situations to face as a driver. Direct or partial sun glares can cause momentary blindness leading to an accident. Adjusting the sun shades suitably is an option along with using sunglasses. It is also recommended to get your windshield and windows tinted by a licensed window tinting company. Reducing sun glare can improve visibility minimizing the chances of an accident.
9. Animals
Back roads can often be nestled directly in the path of deer, animals that have no understanding of passing traffic and can appear out of nowhere. Even if you manage to avoid hitting one, a yearling could be nearby, ready to do serious damage in a collision. Be cautious when in high animal traffic areas and be sure to slow down in the presence of animals.
Need A Tow? Call Marietta Wrecker Today!
Losing control of your vehicle is scary and dangerous. The best way to avoid an accident is by taking precautions before an accident occurs. Multiple factors contribute to road hazards and dangerous situations, and the best way to remain safe is to be aware of your surroundings and follow the road’s safety rules. Should anything happen, call a towing service immediately.
The tips listed above can’t possibly cover every driving scenario that can go wrong, but they should provide a benchmark for what driving is supposed to look like when it doesn’t. By keeping these pointers in mind, you’ll be better prepared to face these situations on the road.