6 Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads
Today we’re here to provide some important safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads. Every year in the US there are over 200,000 road traffic accidents caused by slippery road conditions. Driving on slick roads is dangerous and requires extra concentration and vigilance.
Driving carelessly on slick roads can be lethal. It’s easy to lose control of a vehicle while driving on a slick, slippery surface, and many people are killed or injured each year in traffic accidents because of this.
Every disabled driver needs to know how to drive safely on slick roads. Road slipperiness can occur for a variety of reasons, anywhere in the country. To protect yourself and other road users, it’s essential that you know how to drive safely on slick roads and in slippery conditions.
What Weather Conditions Can Cause Roads To Become Slick Or Slippery?
Several different types of weather can cause slick, slippery roads; snow, ice, rain, wet leaves, or even accidents like oil spills can occur anywhere in the country. For this reason, it’s vital to understand how to stay safe when driving on slick roads.
How Do You Drive In Slippery Conditions?
When driving on slick roads, what should you do? Keep the following key points in mind…
- Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and functioning optimally.
- Drive slowly.
- Practice safe, defensive driving.
- Leave an appropriate distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.
- Use your signals early.
- Wear your seat belt.
What Should You Avoid Doing On Slippery Roads?
When driving on slippery roads, you should avoid:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Using cruise control
How Can You Prevent Skidding On Slippery Surfaces?
You can prevent skidding on slippery surfaces by:
- Making sure your tires are the correct pressure and the threads are not worn down
- Driving slowly
- Slowing down even more before intersections and turns
- Braking gently
- Giving yourself plenty of room to stop
- Pumping your brakes if your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes
- Avoiding driving through puddles, wet leaves, ice patches, or oil spills
Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads
Here are our top safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads.
1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained
Making sure your vehicle is well maintained and in excellent working order will help you to stay safe when driving on slick roads. Get your vehicle serviced by a professional at least once a year, and check your tire pressure and tire threads regularly.
2. Practice Safe Defensive Driving
You can stay safe on slick roads by always practicing defensive driving. Defensive driving involves the following practices:
- Have safety as a first priority.
- Avoid distractions.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Never rely on good driving from other road users.
- Drive at a safe speed.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
3. Drive Slowly And Keep Your Distance From Other Drivers
Driving at a safe speed and keeping your distance from the vehicle in front are key parts of defensive driving, but in slick conditions these practices become even more important.
Braking distances are longer in slick conditions, so to stay safe, disabled drivers need to drive at a sensible speed and allow extra distance between themselves and other vehicles when driving in slippery conditions.
4. Use Your Signals Early
Use your signals earlier than usual when driving on slick roads. This will give vehicles behind you extra time to slow down and keep their distance from you.
5. Understand Skidding Maneuvers
If you skid, implement the following maneuvers:
- Take your foot off of the accelerator.
- Do not engage the brakes.
- Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
- Allow the front wheels to regain grip.
- Continue to steer gently; do not wrench the wheel aggressively.
6. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Stocked With Emergency Equipment
If you are driving on slick roads, there is always a possibility of an accident or getting stranded. Stay safe by keeping your vehicle stocked with the following emergency equipment:
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- First aid kit
- Back-up medication
- Cell phone and car mobile phone charger
- Flashlight and batteries
- Tool kit
- Windshield washer fluid
- Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench
- Jumper cables
- Reflective triangles and a reflective vest
- Fire extinguisher
- Duct tape
- Warm clothes and blankets
- Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction
How Do You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?
If you’re a disabled driver, another thing you can do to stay safe on the road is apply for a disabled parking permit. The first step in the process is to have a video consultation with a medical professional. This consultation is so your disability and suitability to use disabled parking can be verified. This can be done easily at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.
Once your disability has been verified, the medical professional will sign an application form and email it to you. You can then complete the application form and submit it to your local disabled parking authorities.