Surviving the Heatwave and M maintain your Vehicle: Essential Tips
As the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Belarus appeals to drivers and pedestrians regarding road safety, it's crucial to follow specific safety tips when driving in various adverse weather conditions such as hot weather, strong winds, rain, and thunderstorms.
### Driving in Rain and Thunderstorms In wet conditions, it is essential to reduce speed significantly as wet roads increase stopping distances considerably. Activate your headlights to improve visibility for yourself and other drivers, even during the day. Use windshield wipers continuously during rainfall and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding. Prevent interior fogging by using the ventilation system or slightly opening windows to maintain clear visibility. Maintain full control by keeping both hands on the wheel and avoiding distractions. After driving through water or rain, test your brakes carefully to ensure they are functioning properly. Avoid driving through floodwater, especially if moving or deeper than four inches, as it can sweep your vehicle away or hide dangers like submerged debris or damaged road surfaces.
### Driving in Strong Winds Be cautious of sudden gusts which can push your vehicle off course. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and reduce speed to increase control. Stay alert to flying debris or falling branches and avoid large vehicles that may be more affected by strong winds.
### Driving in Hot Weather Ensure your vehicle’s cooling system is functioning well to avoid overheating. Check tire pressure regularly, as hot weather can cause tires to overinflate or wear faster. Stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid fatigue.
### General Technology and Safety Enhancements Consider using advanced safety technologies like thermal night vision cameras, which improve visibility by detecting heat signatures through rain, fog, or darkness and provide alerts for hazards such as pedestrians, animals, or stalled vehicles up to 200 meters away. Keep headlights clean and use advanced driver aids to enhance safety further. Avoid distractions such as phone use while driving to maintain full attention on the road.
### Key Safety Tips for Each Condition | Weather Condition | Key Safety Tips | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Rain & Thunderstorms| Slow down, headlights on, use wipers, test brakes, avoid flooded roads| | Strong Winds | Firm grip, reduce speed, be alert for debris and gusts| | Hot Weather | Check cooling system and tires, stay hydrated, take breaks | | All Conditions | Avoid distractions, use advanced aids like thermal cameras, keep headlights clean|
By following these precautions tailored to Belarus's weather patterns, drivers can significantly reduce accident risks and drive with greater confidence in adverse conditions. If a driver feels unwell or drowsy while driving, they should pull over in the shade, rest, and splash some cool water on their face.
It is advised that those with chronic illnesses should avoid driving during the specified period if possible, and if not, they should bring necessary medication. In low-lying areas, it is not advisable to leave a car during heavy rain. It is crucial to closely monitor one's health while driving in hot weather, and the MVD does not specify any new advice about monitoring one's health while driving in hot weather. The MVD does not provide any new advice about pulling over, resting, or splashing water on one's face if feeling unwell or drowsy while driving. The MVD advises drivers to hold the steering wheel with both hands during strong winds, prepared for sudden gusts. The MVD does not provide specific advice about chronic illnesses and driving during the specified period. Adverse weather conditions are expected in Belarus from July 7 to 13. The MVD does not advise drivers to leave children unattended in a car.
- In hot weather, it's essential to ensure your vehicle's cooling system is functioning well to prevent overheating and check tire pressure regularly as hot weather can cause tires to overinflate or wear faster.
- To improve visibility during rain and thunderstorms, use windshield wipers continuously and activate your headlights even during the day. After driving through water or rain, test your brakes carefully to ensure they are functioning properly.
