The most important aspect of driving is getting to your desired destination ALIVE! The dangers become secondary when defying death becomes the primary goal during a climatic atrocity. Bad weather can have disastrous effects on certain lives that do not follow safety precautions while driving. The following are safety tips for driving in this bad weather:

• Check your VEHICLE thoroughly before you leave. Make sure the vehicle is in a condition to withstand inclement weather; This includes examining your lights, gauges, brakes, tires, wipers, steering wheel, and exhaust system for any minor issues that might irritate you on the road. Instead, any major breakdown should be fixed at the service station. Avoid being stranded without fuel, plan ahead where you will refuel. The most important thing is that the vehicle should not be overloaded.

• Plan your ROUTE in advance and inform a responsible friend or relative who is not traveling with you. This must be done before you start traveling. If possible, updates on the course of the trip should also be provided. This keeps them alert and you have someone to call for help if you get stuck near safety. Finally, brief them on how to get to the destination safely.

• WEATHER reports should be checked for areas along the route you will be driving before leaving home. It is particularly important that you are up to date on the current scenario. This helps you prepare for the possible risk of driving in heavy rain or snow. While driving, turn your car radio on to a station that will alert you to any approaching danger, such as thunderstorms in the area.

• Maintaining a DEFENSIVE behavior not only helps your own safety but also helps the safety of other travelers. One should avoid distractions like using your cell phone and focus on the road. Reduce your speed (slow down 10 miles per hour) below the actual speed limit. Headlights must be kept on during any reduced visibility situation because being visible is another important aspect of road safety.

• DO NOT expect others to be as law-abiding as yourself! Dim your headlights before a vehicle within range of your headlight approaches. Driving in the blind spot of other vehicles or urgent braking should be avoided; these can lead to unexpected collisions. Keep a safe distance at all times, especially at night and in foggy or snowy conditions. Proceed with caution, only when it is absolutely safe to do so.

Evaluate carefully beforehand, whether to follow your travel plan and risk your life or let bad weather pass you by. Top tip to keep in mind: If you can’t drive your vehicle safely, you should NOT drive! Once you get that uncomfortable feeling, you should STOP your vehicle as soon as you can safely do so. Sometimes uncertainty can be dangerous indeed.