How much do you look at and listen to the road while driving? You may be watching out for other vehicles, and that’s good. But you probably aren’t paying much attention to the look and sound of the road. And that’s bad because it has a story to tell you.
Heed these asphalt whispers. They’re your best bet for decoding the road’s untold warnings.
Potholes and Cracks: Early Signs of Road Decay
Road imperfections like potholes and cracks are usually the first indicators of a much deeper issue. That pun was intended, but driving over these problems on the road is no joke. They can damage your tires, often irreparably, and lead to unexpected repairs not covered under standard insurance policies.
But it’s difficult to see these asphalt imperfections when driving in stormy conditions with poor visibility, or on dimly lit roads at night. That is why having fully comprehensive car insurance is so crucial. It’s your safety net that will protect you against the unforeseen costs of road-related damage.
Water Accumulation: The Silent Skid Risk
Large pools of water on roads indicate a lack of proper drainage. But driving through water can be a lot more than annoying or inconvenient. Water accumulation can create extremely dangerous driving conditions. And if you’re not careful, this can lead to hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning.
It may sound like a fun watersport, but it is quite the opposite! Hydroplaning happens when your tyres lose contact with the wet road surface. Knowing how to avoid this slippery problem can save you from devastating road accidents. So, familiarise yourself with these rainy weather road safety rules.
Faded Lane Markings: A Warning of Unclear Navigation
When they’ve just been freshly painted, those bright lane markings on the road are a great help. But due to constant exposure to the elements and ongoing traffic, they can soon fade, begin to fade. And when they do, it can mean serious trouble for you and your vehicle.
Faded lane markings typically signify a worn road surface. And this can increase the chances of dangerous road accidents. A lack of clear lane demarcations itself is a huge problem as it means that drivers may stray into other lanes. Veer just the slightest bit off-track, and a disaster can happen.
When you navigate through areas with these issues, you are at higher risk of veering off course and causing a road accident. Report unclear road markings to the relevant authorities, and ensure that your car insurance covers such potential hazards.
Sound and Vibration Cues: The Road’s Subtle Signals
How much attention do you pay to the sound of your tyres moving over the road? If you don’t usually take much notice of it, it may be time that you start. Listening to the sounds beneath your tyres can help you to identify changes in road surface quality.
Admittedly, the vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces might be very subtle, But the damage that a sudden, unexpected change in surface can cause to your car, will not be subtle. Indeed, it can cause major long-term damage to your vehicle if consistently ignored.
Learn to listen to the sounds of the road beneath you. The sound and vibration cues are always there for anyone who will listen. And they might just be telling you something important.
Changing Road Textures at Speed: From Asphalt to Gravel
Transitions between road textures often catch drivers off guard. But it is even more of a problem when taking sharp turns or speeding. And if you’re not very careful, it can lead to skidding or worse, losing control of the vehicle.
Be aware of this issue, and avoid speeding in areas where you know the road textures change. Better yet, don’t speed at all.
Obey the speed limits. It could save your vehicle from damage, and your wallet from hefty fines. More importantly, it could save lives. Are you unsure about what the speed limits are? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read this short and simple guide to UK speed limit zones.
Traffic Patterns: Decoding Rush Hour Trends
No one likes being stuck in traffic. Congested roads can bring out the worst in even the most mild-tempered of people. But traffic is good for one thing. It can help you identify road usage patterns, and determine the safest times to be on the road (when there’s less traffic).
Learn to observe the flow of traffic and recognize the recurring congested areas. This will help you to anticipate the likelihood of sudden stops, rear-end collisions, and other common risks on these well-traveled routes. It will also help you decide if it might not be better to try an alternative route.
Of course, different areas have different traffic patterns and congestion hotspots. The day of the week, and even the time of the day, can make a world of difference. But almost everywhere has traffic problems during the Friday night rush hour!
Don’t risk your vehicle or your safety. Take note of the traffic patterns around you, and adapt accordingly. .
