Driving In Ice and Hail

Ice is one of the most hazardous of all driving conditions. Black ice is particularly treacherous because it is transparent and harder to spot compared to snow, frozen slush or thicker white ice.

As a result, many drivers often don’t realise they are actually driving on ice and don’t reduce their speeds.

Here are some useful tips for driving in ice:

• Only drive if it’s absolutely necessary and don't be afraid to turn back if you think the conditions are too treacherous
• Make sure you windows are completley clear before you start driving.
• If you’re driving to meet someone, let them know where you are travelling and when you expect to arrive
• You may need to leave as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front
• If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it - for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stomp your foot on the brakes
• Controls such as the brakes, as well as the steering, accelerator and even gear changing should be operated both smoothly and slowly
• A higher gear may be more appropriate to aid the tires gripping when moving off of packed ice

Driving In Hail

Hail storms are extremely dangerous to drive in. Not only can they cause extensive damage to your car but can also be harmful to anyone who decides to venture out of their vehicle. If you have to travel, plan your route to avoid known affected areas. We also recommend informing relatives and friends of your intended route in case of an emergency.

The following tips should always be followed when driving in hail storms:

• Stay inside the vehicle. Hail falls at fast speeds, and can cause injury
• If hail is severe, stop driving and pull over to a safe place so the hail doesn't break the windshield or any windows. Stop under an overpass if you can, or pull out of traffic lanes and on to a hardshoulder
• Keep your car angled so that the hail is hitting the front of your car. Windshields are reinforced to withstand forward driving and pelting objects. Side windows and backglass are not and are much more susceptible to breakage
• Avoid ditches due to possible high-rising water

Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers

Safety tips for drivers are just as important as other back to school safety tips. During the back to school season, there are many hidden dangers that affect us all. Things we may not think about, but should for the safety of our kids. Drivers, specifically, face a few extra considerations where safety is concerned. Here are some safety tips for drivers to consider during the back to school season.

Residential Neighborhood Driving

When kids head back to school, early morning driving through neighborhoods starts to get a bit more difficult. Slow down and consider the larger number of kids heading to bus stops and walking to school. This is most important in the residential neighborhoods around town so pay extra attention and slow down in these areas.

School Zone Speed Limits

During the back to school season, school zone speed limits are enforced very strictly, as they should be. The last thing we need is fast drivers flying down streets where there are tons of kids crossing the road. Be very careful of these areas and keep your eyes and ears open to unexpected movements. Kids tend to run out first and accidents can still happen even at slow speeds.

Give Yourself Extra Time

When you leave home for work or school in the mornings, you should automatically assume a longer commute during the school year. This is especially true during the back to school time of year because some people are new to various schools and morning routines. This will slow down traffic, as will all of the school buses on the road. Allow at least an extra half hour so that you are not rushing around and make bad driving decisions.

School Bus Safety

When you are riding behind a school bus, it is tempting to want to zoom on by or get past. They move slow and we are usually trying to move quickly because we are running behind. That said, the kids on those school buses are far more important and we should only pass when there is a very clear opening to do so safely. Make sure you watch out for the bus stops and the lights coming on every so often. Running these lights or stop signs can cost you a small fortune, but more importantly, can cause a horrible disaster. Never be in too much of a hurry to get past a school bus.

These back to school safety tips for drivers will not prevent all the accidents, but it will certainly lessen your chances of having one. Keeping our kids and students safe is the top priority for us all and we have to remember that when they head back to school. Foot traffic and car traffic will increase and that means we should increase our awareness to meet the need.

Wishing everyone a happy (and safe) Back-to-School season from all of us here at Siemer Auto Center.

Looking for a reliable & safe used vehicle to get the kids to school? Check out our inventory!