Driving in Anchorage, AK inclement weather demands heightened caution and preparation to ensure safety. Here’s an expanded guide on vehicle-specific tips to help you navigate through challenging conditions like rain, snow, sleet, and fog.
Vehicle Maintenance and Preparation
Proper maintenance is critical to avoiding breakdowns and accidents in bad weather.
Tires:
- Tire Tread and Pressure: Regularly check tread depth and ensure your tires are appropriately inflated. Winter tires with deeper treads provide better traction on snow and ice. Cold weather often reduces tire pressure, so monitor it closely to maintain optimal performance.
Brakes:
- Brake System Health: Ensure that your brake pads and rotors are in good condition. If your vehicle has ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), practice how it feels under heavy braking in slippery conditions, as it helps maintain steering control during a car accident.
Windshield and Wipers:
- Visibility: Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid that resists freezing and replace wipers if they show signs of wear. Consider winter wiper blades that are designed to handle snow and ice buildup.
Battery:
- Cold Cranking Power: Cold weather reduces battery efficiency. Test your battery’s health before winter, clean any corrosion on the terminals, and replace it if it’s weak.
Lights:
- Visibility for You and Others: Ensure that all vehicle lights (headlights, brake lights, fog lights, etc.) are functioning properly. Use low beams in foggy conditions to reduce glare and improve your visibility.
Fluids:
- Engine Oil and Coolant: Use winter-grade oil for better performance in low temperatures, and ensure your coolant has the correct antifreeze mixture to prevent the engine from freezing.
Driving Techniques in Inclement Weather
Adapt your driving to the road conditions to enhance safety.
Speed Reduction:
- Slower is Safer: Reduce your speed when roads are wet, icy, or snow-covered. Lower speeds give you more time to react to potential hazards and help maintain control of your vehicle.
Increase Following Distance:
- More Space for Safety: Extend the following distance between your car and the vehicle in front. In inclement weather, a 6-8 second gap is safer compared to the usual 3 seconds, giving you more room to brake if needed.
Avoid Sudden Movements:
- Smooth Inputs: Abrupt steering, acceleration, or braking can cause skidding. Drive smoothly and gently to maintain control. If your vehicle starts to skid, steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming the brakes.
Handling Hydroplaning:
- Stay Calm: If you feel your vehicle hydroplaning, lift off the accelerator gradually, keep your steering steady, and avoid making sudden movements. Allow your car to slow down naturally until the tires regain traction.
Navigating Snow and Ice:
- Gradual Inputs: When driving on snowy or icy roads, avoid stopping if possible, as it may be difficult to start moving again. Use gentle acceleration and braking, and if you drive a manual car, downshift to slow down instead of using the brakes.
Fog Driving:
- Using Lights Correctly: In fog, use low beam headlights or fog lights to improve visibility. High beams can reflect off the fog, reducing your ability to see.
Emergency Preparedness for Drivers
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial when driving in severe weather.
Emergency Kit:
- Essential Supplies: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables, flares, an ice scraper, and a small shovel. These items can be lifesavers if you’re stranded.
Communication Tools:
- Stay Connected: Ensure your phone is fully charged before traveling, and carry a car charger. In remote areas, consider an emergency radio or power bank. Share your travel route and estimated arrival time with someone.
Stay with Your Vehicle:
- Safety First: If stranded, it’s safer to stay inside your vehicle, which provides shelter and is more visible to rescue teams. Run the engine occasionally to stay warm, but ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
Know When to Turn Back:
- Avoiding Unnecessary Risks: Sometimes the best choice is not to drive at all. If the weather is too severe, consider postponing your trip. Always prioritize your safety over timeliness.
Conclusion
Driving in inclement weather while traveling near Anchorage, AK requires extra vigilance, careful preparation, and adapting your driving habits to the conditions. By ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained, using appropriate driving techniques, and being prepared for emergencies, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with severe weather driving. Stay informed about weather conditions before heading out, and remember, it’s always better to arrive late than not at all.
Call our firm today at (907)-290-8980 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer about your potential case.