15. WEATHER CONDITIONS.
'BAD DRIVING IS LIKE THE WEATHER, THERE IS SO MUCH RAIN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR'.
Whatever the weather conditions one of the basic rules is avoiding the un-expected. Try relaxing - drive with your mind - not your nerves - be alert. Anticipate.
The best driver in the world is but mediocre enduring poor vision and reduced visibility. Better vision is ensured by sitting as far from the steering wheel as possible. Avoid selective vision which is the product of a lazy eye; a car in a bright, easily seen colour will negate the problem. In short, poor vision is a major hazard.
It is obvious that poor day light is better than darkness: based upon this fact the argument persists if or not our clocks should, or not, be changed - plunging us into darkness mid afternoon in the winter? This is political, not based upon safety.
An extremely important devise is the deflector positioned on a car with the object of keeping the wind-screen as clear as possible. That this device is not fitted on every car emphasises the lack of understanding by (foreign) car manufacturers.
Wind is a problem; check its intensity by looking at the trees. Mud, dirt, rain, snow, leaves all can be on the road's surface. Look for ice on ponds; check the roofs of adjacent properties and, obviously, on your vehicle if it is standing outdoors at night.
As soon as possible, after driving onto the road and prior to attaining a speed of 20 mph, travelling in a straight line, accelerate hard checking for wheel spin. A shining road surface, without the sound of water splashing from the tyres, must be ice. Beware of the road in the shade, in hollows, valleys and exposed places. All hazards.
The fact is that drivers are bad at driving on ice is because they are slovenly driving on a dry road. The technique of driving in a 'straight line' is never more important. Never commence accelerating in the middle of a corner or brake; always it must be a steady, precise, controlled acceleration. By programming our mind to emphasise the left hand on right-hand bends and vice versa, a driver is fully prepared, in advance, coping with 'opposite lock' in an emergency.
Fog is a major problem but, by applying the 'twelve-miles' rule, never will any competent driver be at a disadvantage. If it is dark, icy and foggy, vigilance, anticipation and care are the three ingredients necessary for safety. At a road junction and stopped, always lower both, front windows and listen for traffic and, briefly, switch off your car's main lights.
This chapter extends to seventeen pages and ten figures. It is essential reading which never will you be familiar. Amazing indeed. Safety is paramount!
'Being the best drive on the road must be the ultimate ambition of all drivers'.