Winter is coming…
We thought we were going to get rid of it but the Fien squall brings winter to Spain from today. Weather forecasts launch alert for snow at low levels in the middle of the peninsula; Wind gusts of almost 100 km/h are also expected, a lot of rain and a general drop in temperatures that will be especially noticeable on Monday and Wednesday.
Although we have discussed this on several occasions (take a look at our winter driving special), it is appreciated that the Civil Guard recovers the basic tips for driving in bad weather in the form of tweets.
1. Riding in snow
With warnings due to the risk of snowfall in half the country, the time has come to play the video in which traffic agents from the Benemérita remember how to put the snow chains on as many times as necessary.
▶️Tomorrow is expected #snow in the northern half⚠️️▶️ Consultation @AEMET_Esp Y @InformationDGT i ️ ▶️Avoid affected roads⛔️▶️If you have no choice, use winter tires or #chains👇 🎞️We show you its placement 🛞⛓️#Road safety #Safe journey #TrafficGrouping pic.twitter.com/OZtE1uoQVE
— Civil Guard 🇪🇸 (@guardiacivil) January 14, 2023
In the tweet, they also remind them that in the forecast of bad weather you should avoid taking the car if it is not completely necessary and that, if you do, make sure you have everything ready and equipped (remember to bring a full tank of fuel, mobile phone at full battery and some water and food, just in case…).
2. If you encounter a flood
Raise your hand who, when seeing the images of a car dragged by the water, has not thought: “but how can he think of getting in there”.
The truth is that the driver is not always to blame, since the flood can arrive without the driver realizing the danger. For this reason, extreme prudence is the best way to avoid the risk that being trapped by a waterspout can entail. This is how they explain it from the Civil Guard:
💦🚘💦 What to do in the face of a flood? Even if you know the area, keep in mind that the water will go down cloudy and it is not possible to know if it has undermined the bottom and make it deeper. With a depth of 40 cm some vehicles can be dragged and with a depth of 60 cm. most Do not cross!#Road safety pic.twitter.com/17LgleZMQk
— Civil Guard 🇪🇸 (@guardiacivil) January 13, 2023
In this tweet, they remember that it is best to avoid crossing since, no matter how much the area is known, it is very difficult to calculate the depth of the water. They also remember how to act in the event that the car has been surrounded by water and the height prevents opening the doors.
3. Ice sheets
The formation of sheets of ice on the road is especially dangerous in the early morning and late afternoon. Its presence is more common on secondary roads, where the volume of traffic is lower, than on urban roads.
The Civil Guard road safety experts explain how to act in the event that the vehicle loses grip when crossing a sheet of ice:
If you lose control when you step on a piece of ice…✅lift your foot off the accelerator✅don’t brake until you regain grip✅don’t rectify the direction✅on leaving make sure the wheels are straight and then correct the trajectoryVia: @DGTes #Safe journeyhttps://t.co/urDRQkcUw9 pic.twitter.com/VULYNDpwl4
— Civil Guard 🇪🇸 (@guardiacivil) January 12, 2023
In this case, the fundamental thing, and although it is difficult to suppress the impulse, is not to step on the brake; For the car to slow down you have to lift your foot off the accelerator smoothly.
It is also important not to swerve; it is better for the car to follow the direction it has taken and to correct the direction once you have crossed the slippery area.