In Kentucky, there are lots of different road conditions that you will have to face. And it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for these.
This is why, here, we’re going to give you safe driving tips for some of the most common road conditions you’ll face in Kentucky.
We’ll look at:
- Safety tips for driving on curvy roads
- Safety tips for driving on slippery roads
- Safety tips for driving in construction areas
- Safety tips for driving in low visibility
- Safety tips for driving through traffic
So are you ready?
Let’s dive right in!
Driving Through Kentucky Road Conditions
For each road condition, you’ll need to take different precautions.
In the following sections, we’ll give you tips that can help you in these situations.
Driving in Curvy Roads
When approaching a curve, always reduce speed. This rule also applies to winding roads, even if there is no other car on the road.
Here are other safety tips for driving on curvy roads:
- Steer the wheel as little as possible. This reduces the direction change on the wheels, making them less prone to skidding.
- Do not cross the center lane when turning.
- Always follow the speed limit shown on the warning signs.
- Never pass other cars on a curve. Curves do not often give you enough visibility on approaching vehicles. So even if you can pass quickly, do NOT do it.
- Slow down when you’re approaching a curve and when you’re halfway through the curve. But if you’re leaving the curve, you can speed up to exit it right away.
Driving in Slippery Roads
Slippery roads occur during rain, snow, and even road spills.
If the roads are slippery because of heavy rain or snow, the best way to prevent dangers on the road is to stay at home. If you can wait until the weather has dried up, the better.
But in case you need to drive, here are safety tips to remember:
- Check your car’s brakes before going out. If you don’t know how to check your brakes, consult a mechanic.
- Check your tires regularly. All worn and old tires should be replaced. Newer tires will have more grip, reducing your chances of skidding.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front. The distance will give you time and space to react and avoid any collision if the car in front loses control.
- Always focus on the road. Keep your eyes peeled for floods or black ice. If you see these hazards, use a different road.
- If you need to brake or accelerate, do it gently. Slamming on the brakes or gas will cause your tires to lose control.
- If you experience a skid, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, release the gas pedal, keep your steering steady, and gently step on the brakes until you eventually slow down.
- If you’re driving through oil spills, the safest thing to do is reduce your speed.
Driving in Construction Areas
Construction areas pose hazards simply because there’s a smaller space for you to move in. Not to mention the debris, workers, and trucks everywhere.
Most of the time, there will be signs that will tell you where to go. Some work zones will even have flaggers. Always follow what the warning signs and flaggers say.
Also, follow these tips in these areas:
- Remove all distractions like loud music, eating, drinking, talking, etc… In general, distractions are dangerous, but you have to be extra alert when passing construction areas.
- Take turns when you have to merge with other vehicles.
- If you can take a detour, the better. Look for a road that has no other obstacles to pass.
- Always slow down and never attempt to pass a vehicle in the area.
- Don’t tailgate. Even if the road is smaller, always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front and the barriers on the side.
Driving with Low Visibility
Low visibility can be caused by rain, snow, fog, or smoke. Here’s what to do when it’s hard to see your surroundings while driving:
- Turn on your low beams. Using high beams can do more harm than good as it gives the driver in front a more difficult time seeing.
- Only use your hazard lights when there is an emergency. Hazard lights make your ability to use turn signals ineffective, so only use them when you need to.
- If you’re changing directions or making a turn, use your turn signals and slowly change direction. Do not forget to give time for other vehicles to see your signal.
- Stay in your lane as much as possible. If you don’t have a reason to pass, don’t do so because other cars might not see you passing by.
- If the visibility becomes too low, park in a safe area and wait for it to pass.
Driving through Traffic
Traffic jams are annoying. Aside from the fact that it doesn’t get you anywhere, other vehicles try to go to your lane if it’s a faster one.
If you’re in a traffic jam, here are things you should always do:
- Stay patient. This is a tall order, but being patient will help you avoid aggressive driving and speeding up when there’s space.
- Keep your distance. Even in traffic, the distance between you and other cars will give you space to maneuver, especially when a car accidentally backs up.
- Use your car’s signals when changing lanes or when turning. Always give enough time for cars to see your signal before changing directions/lanes.
- Always monitor the areas around your car. This way, you can see if a vehicle or a motorcycle is too close for safety.
Conclusion
And that was your safe driving tips for the Kentucky road conditions.
So, if you find yourself driving on curvy roads, slippery roads, construction areas, low visibility, and traffic, you now know what to do.
The general rule for all road conditions? Slow down. Slowing down already reduces the risk of a collision or skid.
Remember, always drive safely!