FreeWeather.info

Snowy, icy conditions that have hit UK and Other parts of europe in recent days shut down most cities,  and also here people get stuck in traffic and then abandon their cars by the roadside. It was shocking to see abandoned vehicles around london. The main reason is that a lot of people aren’t that experienced in driving in winter conditions.”

Severe weather can be dangerous and challenging for any unprepared or inexperienced driver, even those transplants from colder climates who cut their teeth driving in this stuff. Drivers can minimize their risk by taking precautions. The first mistake people make is driving too fast to reach home/office before storm gets worse.

Anytime you turn, you have to slow down. If you’re driving on a straight stretch, you can go at a reasonable speed. Emphasis on “reasonable.” Slow, panicked drivers can create as many problems as the speeders.

CARS ON ICE

•  If you must travel in icy conditions, slow down and keep extra space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Avoid putting yourself in a position in which you have to brake abruptly. Look ahead and anticipate problems instead of reacting to them. Learn to use your vehicle’s controls (steering, brakes, accelerator) in a smooth manner. 
• Conduct a pre-trip inspection. Check the antifreeze. Make sure you have proper tires. Be sure you have enough gas for each trip. Wipers must be in good shape to handle snow and ice. Remember to unstick them if they’re frozen to the windshield. 
• Know your brakes. With traditional brakes, pumping is effective, but lift your foot off the brake if you need to steer around an obstacle. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the brake pedal as hard as possible and hold it there to allow the computer to pump the brakes. 
• If you find yourself stranded, stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.
• Carry an emergency kit including jumper cables, ice scraper, snow brush, warm clothing, windshield washer solvent, working flashlight, orange triangles or flares, bag of abrasive material such as clay-based kitty litter or sand, first aid kit with extra bandages and, most importantly, a cellular telephone with charger cord.
• Remember that in a skid, you should let up on the brake or accelerator and look and steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.
• If you have an SUV or even a four-wheel drive vehicle, you will not be able to stop on ice any quicker than people in other automobiles.
• Slow down. Take your time. Give folks more room. Don’t drive in a way that causes others’ more problems. Use the brain that you were equipped with. People have had a grand total of zero crashes in this stuff if obey those rules.

On ice or snow

• Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so always slow down and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Keep windows clear.
• Keep your speed steady and slow — but not so slow that your car gets stuck in deeper snow.
• Use your brakes cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause brake lock-up and cause you to lose steering control.
• To make Anti lock Brakes work correctly, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal. During an emergency stop, push the brake pedal all the way to the floor, if necessary, even in wet or icy conditions.
• If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tires. Use sand or cinders under the drive wheels.

In high winds

• It is best not to drive a trailer, van or other “high-profile” vehicle in high winds.
• If driving in high winds, use extra caution near trailers, vans or vehicles carrying lightweight cargo.

When it rains

• Slow down. Roads usually prove more slippery than they would seem.
• Turn on your lights. Use the defroster or air conditioner to keep windows and mirrors clear.

When it’s foggy

• Stay to the right of the roadway.
• Turn on your headlights — day or night — to low beam.
• If you can’t see the road’s edge, pull off on the right — well out of the traffic lane — and turn on the emergency flashers. Wait until visibility improves before you continue.

In a Hailstorm — Find shelter by driving under an overpass or bridge.
In severe thunderstorms — Listen to your car radio and be alert.
If you see a tornado — Never try to outrun a tornado. Get out of the car and find shelter. If you can not get to a safe structure, lie down in a ditch or low area. Lie face down to protect yourself from flying debris and cover the back of your head and neck with your hands. Stay alert for flash floods.
In an approaching Hurricane — Avoid low areas and do not wait to travel inland.