Transcript Heat Related Illness

Inclement Weather
Driving Safety
Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Each year in this country, there are more
than 41,000 deaths from motor vehicle
crashes, according to the National Safety
Council.
• There are also more than 2.4 million
disabling injuries from these crashes,
many of which occur during inclement
weather driving conditions.
Inclement Weather Can Include:
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Rain, Thunderstorms, Flooding
Night Driving
Fog
Windstorms
Hail
Ice and Snow
Best Advice For Driving in Bad Weather:
Don’t drive at all if you can avoid it!!
Headlights On In Bad Weather!
Rain, Thunderstorms, Flooding
• Slow down, increase following distance
• Easy on the gas, brakes and steering
• If possible, avoid standing water
• Run defroster to keep windows clear
• Pull well off if you must, turn flashers on
• Never drive with flashers on!!
Hydroplaning
No steering, braking, or power control……..
Rain, Thunderstorms, Flooding
Hydroplaning
• Tire tread can’t scatter water fast enough
• Tire “floats” on a film of water
• Can occur on any wet road surface
• Most dangerous time is within the first ten
minutes of a light rain – oil residue mixes
with the rain to create very slippery road
If Your Vehicle Starts Hydroplaning
• Don’t panic
• Don’t slam on the brakes
• Do take your foot off the
accelerator
• Do gradually apply
the brakes
Tips To Avoid Hydroplaning
• Keep Tires Inflated Properly
• Slow down – Stay under 35 mph
• Stay out of outer lanes where water is
• Drive in tire tracks left by those in front
• Avoid hard braking
• Don’t make sharp or quick turns
Unfamiliar Conditions
Business travel may take you to areas
with unfamiliar driving conditions.
Snow, Hail and Ice
Always carry an ice scraper – credit
cards don’t work well enough.
Snow, Hail and Ice
• Slowing down gives you
more reaction time, and
makes your vehicle less
likely to slide.
• Brake carefully. Slow down
during the straight part of a
road before a curve.
• Avoid sudden changes in
speed or direction.
• Antilock brakes need
constant, firm pressure
Night Driving
• Slow down a bit – your vision is impaired
• Increase following distance
• Dim high beams if there is other traffic
Foggy Conditions
• Stay to the right of the roadway
• Remember, Headlights On
• Use only low beams to reduce reflection
Driving in High Wind Conditions
Trailers, vans, and high-profile vehicles
can be dangerous to drive or be near.
Tornados, Hurricanes
• Never try to outrun a tornado. Find shelter.
• Hurricanes give plenty of warning. Don’t wait
until the last minute to evacuate if you have to.
Distractions…
• Driving during great weather while eating,
drinking, talking or texting is extremely
dangerous.
• Mixing these activities with bad weather is just
plain dumb – don’t risk it. You need to focus all
your attention on driving.
Be Prepared for unexpected bad weather Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”
• Get a tune-up. Check hoses and belts.
• Check the battery.
• Connections clean and tight
• Securely mounted – holders can corrode
• If over three years old, test, replace if weak
• Check the heater and defroster
• Important for keeping windshield clear
• Check the rear defroster too
Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”
Have brakes checked.
• Have an expert evaluate them for safety
Check exhaust system for leaks.
• Have an expert look at this system also
• Carbon monoxide leaks can be fatal
Check fluids
• Windshield washer – Front and Rear
• Oil, brake, clutch, radiator, transmission
Keep Your Vehicle “Up to Speed”
Evaluate the wiper blades
• Replace when they start to harden or squeak
• Consider upgrading to rubber coated snow
blades to handle extra weight of wet snow
Tires Are Your Link to the Road
Check All the Tires
Tire Pressure
Tread Depth
Always Carry an Emergency Kit
• Warning Flares or Triangles
• Blankets/Emergency Blankets
• Gloves
• Flashlight and Batteries
• First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher
• Jumper Cables
• Snacks, candle, matches
• Roll of Duct Tape
Inclement Weather Driving Summary
• Don’t drive at all if you can avoid it
• Make sure your vehicle is in top repair
• Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle.
• Turn headlights on
• Help maintain vehicle control by slowing
down, braking and steering cautiously
Watch out for the unexpected!