Most drivers don’t know how to avoid common road hazards, and what to do when encountering dangerous situations on the road. We’ve included a list below of some common road hazards, preventative measures to avoid them entirely, and what to do if you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation on the road.

Tire blowouts.

These can be especially scary, as the thumps and thuds and the jerking of your vehicle can easily send you straight into a panic. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. Focus on controlling your vehicle and getting safely to the side of the road to assess the situation. To help avoid these situations, be sure to always be mindful of debris on the road, and keep your tires properly maintained, as weak tires are more likely to lead to blowouts.

Hydroplaning.

If you feel your vehicle skidding out of control, take your foot off the gas pedal and keep your steering wheel in the direction you’re traveling. Try not to jerk the wheel, as this can cause you to very quickly lose control of the vehicle. Again, keeping your tires properly maintained will lessen your chances of hydroplaning, and be sure to slow down when road conditions are less than ideal.

Loss of visibility.

Foggy conditions, heavy rain or snow can very quickly lead to a loss in visibility. If you find yourself in this situation, turn on your hazards and slow down. If it’s possible and seemingly safe, pull over to the side of the road and wait for the weather to improve. If you feel it’s more dangerous to pull off the road, maintain a slow speed and follow either another vehicle’s lights or the reflectors in the road closely until you find an area where you can safely pull over. To avoid this situation, be sure to check the weather before hitting the road!

Animals in the Road.

Whether it be a deer, squirrel, moose or otherwise, animals dashing into the can lead to serious vehicle damage, or worse. Some animals are more active at dawn and dusk, and often travel in packs. This being the case, be especially careful during these hours of the day, and be extra cautious if you see one animal nearby – as there may be more. Slow down and practice extra caution when you see animal crossing signs, and consider driving in the middle lane of a multi-lane roadway, for a lesser chance of an animal-related collision.

Our best advice? Avoid texting, putting on makeup or eating your lunch while behind the wheel, and always (ALWAYS) wear your seatbelts! Road conditions, weather conditions and fellow drivers are unpredictable – so make sure you’re alert and prepared at all times. Have questions on the condition of your vehicle and it’s ability to handle these common road hazards? Give us a call!