Car accidents are one of the top causes of injuries and deaths in the United States, and, often, they are due to abnormal occurrences like debris on the road, another vehicle driving recklessly, or bad weather. Here are a few driving tips to help you stay safe in three of the most common unexpected driving situations:
Traction Loss Due to Snow or Hydroplaning
Although snow is rare in the Las Vegas area, it can happen, and it can quickly make your car lose traction. When driving in snow or heavy rain where hydroplaning is a possibility, slow down, break early and softly when necessary, and keep both hands on the wheel. If you start to skid, take your foot off the brake, and turn into the skid so that you can straighten the car back out.
Once you have control again, brake softly if you have antilock brakes, being aware that they will pulse on and off, or if you have manual brakes, gently pump them so that you do not lock the tires up and cause another skid.
Sun Glare
If you are driving in the early morning or late afternoon, sometimes the roads can align directly with the sun, creating a strong glare that makes it almost impossible to see. To avoid this problem, first, keep your windshield clean. Even a bit of dirt or grease can make the glare much worse, and a clean windshield also helps to minimize glare from oncoming headlights at night.
When glare does happen, flip down your sun visor and position it where it will shield your eyes the best. Slow down, keep plenty of distance between you and any cars in front of you, and pay extra attention to the road, especially oncoming traffic. Keep to the right where possible.
Tire Blowouts
The Las Vegas heat and sun are tough on tires. If you have a blowout while driving, it is important to remain as calm as possible. Take your foot off the accelerator and avoid hitting the brakes, as that could cause you to skid. Keep the steering wheel as straight as possible while you slow down, downshifting if necessary, turn on your four-way emergency flashers, and carefully pull off the road when it is safe to do so.
Auto Service & Repairs in the Las Vegas Area
Make everyday driving as safe as possible by keeping your car properly maintained. Our team at Valley Automall can help. We feature expert technicians who can handle all your automotive maintenance and repair needs, from oil changes and brake service to major overhauls. In addition to auto service and repairs, we also offer new and used vehicle sales, and with over 20 dealers on-site and 26 brands, we are confident we will have what you need.Contact Valley Automall at (702) 570-2257 to schedule auto service and repairs in Henderson or the Las Vegas area today!