Why you shouldn't drive in bad weather

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By Lisa Cockerill

When driving in bad weather

With all the bad weather we have been having in Queensland lately, aquaplaning or the risk of being involved in some kind of accident increases dramatically.
Aquaplaning is where there is a build-up of water between the road surface and the tyres, causing them to lose contact with the road surface. (Minimum tread depth is 1.6mm)
Remember that tyres with low tread have a greater risk of aquaplaning as the water finds it harder to pass through the tread.

To reduce the danger of aquaplaning:  Don’t use cruise control
reduce speed and keep your tyres in a roadworthy condition.

 

Bad weather (rain, fog, dust)

Only use your hazard lights if you are driving in hazardous weather conditions and you are driving slowly and likely to obstruct other vehicles, or your vehicle is stopped and is obstructing the path of other vehicles or pedestrians.

9 Driving tips to avoid accidents in bad weather

  • Keep your windscreen and all lights clean (Queensland sun is terrible for fading plastic headlights, polishing them  annually keeps them clear or have them restored) 

  • Turn your headlights on when you cannot clearly see people or vehicles

  • Keep headlights on low beam – in fog you can see better on low beam than high beam

  • During the day, you may drive in fog or other hazardous weather conditions without your headlights on if you turn on your front fog lights (if fitted)

  • You may only drive with fog lights on if you are in fog or hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility

  •  Use your air conditioner or demister to keep the windscreen clear

  •  Slow down – remember the signed speed limit is the maximum safe speed for good conditions

  • Double your following distance to allow for longer reaction time and subsequent greater stopping distance.

 

  • After driving through deep water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake for a  very short distance. This helps the brakes dry out.
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