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A trip to the hilly and chilly, picturesque mountains is something that we all long for at some point in time. The vibe that these locations hold is something to certainly look forward to. The only daunting task that it comes along with is driving your way through the hilly twist and turns.
Driving on mountains is completely another story as compared to driving on highways and flat roads. It’s exciting but at the same time, it’s extremely prone to accidents. You need to have certain equipments beforehand and be quick-witted to be able to handle any unexpected issues.
The set of equipments that come under 4WD Recovery kits and gear are to be essentially carried to tend to problems like being stuck on the track, or on a swampy road, or not being able to contact the respective authorities in case of an emergency. The recovery kit comes with items like satellite communicators, tree trunk protectors, gloves, snatch straps, etc.
According to a statistic, barring the cardiovascular issues that account for 52.7% of casualties, accidents due to collisions, crashes, etc. account for 33.8% of deaths. Considering the risks involved in driving in mountains, you need to be aware of some tips to keep your journey safe and smooth.
So, let’s dive into a few pointers:
- Keep enough food and water handy!
When journeying through long distances, there’s a slight possibility of getting stuck on your way due to unpredictable issues. In such cases, it’s absolutely advisable to keep a sufficient quantity of food and water with yourself.
You are required to make a lot of stops on the way which can be really tiresome for you, as a driver and the passengers as well. So, make sure you have a full stomach and a hydrated body to keep your energy levels high.
- Always carry a car emergency kit
We all know that problems are unpredictable and not always under our control. Being prepared and sufficiently equipped with emergency equipments is crucial in ensuring the people’s safety you are traveling with.
Keep items like a flashlight, battery charger, etc. always handy. Also, carry extra blankets if you are especially making a trip during the winter months.
- Keep driving left
Mountain roads have a lot of turns and it’s very difficult to spot the traffic, especially in the dark. The best solution is to keep moving within the lane.
Having to steer on mountain roads, in periodic intervals can be tiresome but resist the urge to cut into the opposite lane while maneuvering your way through the roads. Don’t risk doing this at all. It’s better to take a break or so if you feel exhausted in that case.
- Shifting early
When driving on mountain roads, you need to be smart enough to figure out which gears will best suit the road lying in front of you. Shifting gears while you are making a turn can be very dangerous. Your vehicle’s controls might fail while doing so.
If you see a steep gradient in front of you, then it’s advisable for you to shift to a lower gear. This boosts the revs of your engine. It will help your car reach its maximum power while doing so, thus helping you make smooth and safe turns.
- Ensure that your brake pads are not faulty
Your brakes are subjected to a lot of use while you drive down steep or inclined slopes. Ensure that there are sufficient brake pads left prior to traveling on mountain roads.
Not checking on the brake pads before might lead to fatal accidents. It might lead to the failure of the brakes while you make your way down the slope. Make sure that you also move down at a slower speed and go easy on the brakes.
Also, use the brakes for sufficient time before making a turn. Don’t forget to signal with your lights to make the other cars on the road aware of the approaching vehicle.
Over to you…
It can be a bit intimidating to drive on mountain roads even when you are experienced and skilled enough. Your driving skills also demand you to make correct decisions at the correct time to ensure everyone’s safety. Just be aware of these tips, make sure that you are vigilant at all times, and have a safe trip!
