Driving in Difficult Situations at Work

If you drive during your work day you are bound to find yourself in difficult and emergency conditions from time to time. It's important to anticipate these conditions and be prepared. A little preparation could save your life or someone else's. The most common situations you will find yourself in are rainy or snowy weather, night driving and an accident.

In difficult driving conditions like snow or rain it's imperative that you listen to the radio for information for the latest conditions and delays. Always leave more time to reach your destination and make sure you know all of the alternative routes. Handling your car in these conditions means making concessions to the weather.

First of all, make sure that you are able to see and can be seen by others. Check your windshield, headlights, taillights and turn signals. Make sure that your windows are completely clear of snow and ice before starting your route. Next, make sure you reduce your speed, increase your following distance, slow down sooner, brake slowly and avoid puddles and icy patches. If you find yourself sliding out of control, always steer in the direction of the skid.

When are driving at dusk, dawn or at night special accommodations need to be made. Dusk and dawn are especially dangerous because there is too much light for headlights to be effective and it's too dark to see clearly. Drivers need to be very careful in these hours and although headlights are as effective they still help and should always be on. At night low beams should be used when facing traffic or if you are directly behind another vehicle, however you should use your high beams as much as possible. Always increase your following distance at night.

Even if you are world's safest driver an accident can still occur. You cannot control everything and every driver is at the mercy of other drivers. If an accident does occur stay calm and do not move the vehicles unless someone is in immediate danger. Turn off the engine, check for injuries and then immediately call for police. Do not leave the scene, call your supervisor immediately and get a copy of the accident report.

Driving on the job can be dangerous and in many cases these situations are unavoidable. However, if you are prepared you can decrease the likelihood of an accident. Follow these guidelines and you are the way to safer driving on the job.