Safety Tips for Driving

July 19, 2024

When it comes to unpredictable weather, Belfast and Northern Ireland are no strange to it, where we can have all four seasons in one day. Whether it is navigating through fog, rain, hail, snow and ice, we are often faced with difficult driving conditions on our very busy, and often congested Belfast and Northern Ireland roads and this can significantly increase the risk of road traffic accidents, in this article we look at how drivers can prepare themselves for the great Irish weather and conquer the elements, arriving at your destination without incident, or accident. Here are our top tips for safely driving in Belfast and Northern Ireland when challenged with various weather conditions.

Slow Down and Keep Your Distance

When you are faced with elements such as rain, fog, snow or ice, then reduced your speed and be sure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you as wet or icy conditions have a greater impact on stopping speeds thus allowing you to avoid rear-end collisions.

Use Your Headlights Appropriately

With adverse weather your visibility can be severely impacted and reduced, using your headlights, especially in daytime when visibility is poor can help not only increase your vision but warn other drivers of your presence. In cases of fog, the use of fog lights is recommended if your vehicle is equipped with them, be aware of the settings of your lights as misuse can blind other drivers presenting a further risk.

Maintain your Windshield, Wipers and Lights on a Regular Basis

Always ensure that you have a clean windshield, that your wipers are in good working order, as well as free of any debris buildup, having dirty windows can impact your visibility especially when you add into the mix the glare of oncoming traffic or sunlight. You should also ensure that your headlights, and indicators are clean, making sure they provide the best illuminance and are always free of dirt, snow or ice.

Stay Alert and Focused

When it comes to adverse weather, drivers need to have a more focused and alertness when behind the wheel so avoiding distractions such as changing the radio station, chatting, drinking or grabbing a quick snack can lead to that momentary lapse of concentration that can lead to a road traffic accident. Even using a hands-free phone can have a significant effect on your concentration, so it is better to be safe than sorry and stay alert and super-focused when driving in inclement conditions.

Smooth Braking and Braking Early is Key

Sudden braking when the roads are impacted by slippery conditions is the most common way of losing control of your vehicle. Braking gently and in plenty of time allowing you to reduce your speed gradually is a much safer approach than waiting until last minute, this also lengthens the life of your vehicles brakes so not only a safety tip but a money saver too! If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) as most modern vehicles are, then maintain a steady pressure on the brake pedal and let the ABS do the work for you.

Don’t Use Cruise Control

Driving in adverse weather conditions is certainly a time NOT to use cruise control, it is not only not suitable but also dangerous as you need full control of your vehicle as well as added time for braking as well as driving at a reduced speed dependant on the severity of the weather and road conditions.

Be Wary of Black Ice

One of the most difficult conditions to spot, black ice is almost invisible due to its transparency and virtually impossible at night. Spots to be especially wary are bridges, overpasses and shaded areas where black ice tends to form, if you encounter black ice the best approach is to remain calm and to avoid making any sudden movements or adjustments to your driving.

Be Prepared by Checking the Weather Forecast

Before embarking on your journey whether it is short or long, check the weather forecast and road conditions. If we are in for a bout of bad weather you may want to postpone your trip or simply allow for extra time for your journey. There is nothing worse than a driver who is in a ‘rush’ because of slower traffic and these are the drivers we all want to avoid (as well as not be one.) by giving yourself that extra time, it allows you to navigate busy Belfast roads safely regardless of the conditions and reduces the possibility of being involved in a road traffic accident.

Know How to Handle Hydroplaning

Wet roads can vastly reduce the traction of your vehicle and this is where there is a possibility that your vehicle will hydroplane, simply put, this is when the vehicle loses contact with the road and is skimming on water. This is caused by water pressure in front of the tyres forcing a layer of water underneath ultimately leading to the driver losing control of the vehicle. If you start to feel your vehicle hydroplane, then best course of action is to ease gently off the accelerator, avoid making any sudden movements with you steering wheel and avoid slamming on your brakes.

Be Prepared in Case of an Emergency

You should always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, not just a first-aid kit! Items to consider would be a sturdy flashlight, as mentioned a first aid kit, we also recommend a blanket to keep warm if needed, as well as some snacks such as energy bars and bottled water. These can help should you get stranded due to bad weather or simply break down and help whilst waiting until help arrives or that the weather conditions ease up. Be sure to have our number at hand as well, in case you are involved in an accident that is not your fault so we can get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

By following these safety tips on driving on the roads of Belfast and Northern Ireland through what our ever so unpredictable weather has in store for us, can help you reach your destination safely whether navigating through rain, fog, sleet, hail, snow or ice. And remember it is ALWAYS better to arrive a little late than not to arrive at all. Just keep a calm head, drive safe and drive responsibly.