The severe weather conditions we experience across Australia, both during the winter and summer months can cause major issues for drivers. When dealing with adverse weather conditions, along with busy roads, pedestrians, and more, extra precautions are necessary for ensuring a safe journey.
These helpful tips should help you to avoid any incidents or accidents while driving in weather conditions, as well as help to keep you and your passengers safe. If you do, however, experience a car accident when driving in bad weather conditions, it is important you know your rights and complete the accident insurance claim with a team of experts.
Plan ahead for long journeys
When setting out on a long journey it is always important to plan ahead. Check the weather ahead of time and be sure your vehicle is well-equipped with all the necessary equipment you may need. If you are setting out on a long overnight journey, it is recommended that you carry useful tools in your car like a torch, an empty fuel can, spare tyre, batteries, jump leads, etc.
Check your vehicle before driving
Before hitting the road, give your vehicle a thorough check. Particularly, if you are planning to be driving in heavy rain or storms. This includes checking the tyre pressure, oil levels and your fuel tank. If any part of your vehicle is damaged or not working properly this could have adverse effects on your ability to drive, especially if driving on wet and slippery roads.
Ensure both you and your passengers are wearing seat belts
A safety tip that should be practiced no matter the weather, is ensuring all vehicle passengers are wearing seat belts. It is against the law to drive without wearing a seat belt, If you are caught driving without a seatbelt, you will be fined $550 and could lose at least 4 demerit points.
Be cautious on the roads
Bad weather should always be a prompt for drivers to slow down and take extra caution. When travelling in wet weather conditions, it is important to leave additional space between you and the vehicle in front of you, allowing for a greater braking distance if an emergency were to occur.
Remember to be extra vigilant when passing pedestrians, cyclists, and bikes as wet weather conditions can often limit your visibility. Overtaking and speeding is best avoided in severe wet weather or icy conditions, since this can increase your chances of losing control of your vehicle.
If you are driving in extremely hot weather, be sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, both by covering your skin and wearing sunglasses and a hat. Despite sitting inside your vehicle, the sun can still cause harm through the windows and windscreen.
