weather conditions Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER? – HAIL NO!

Daun Thompson — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 22:32:17 +0000

What to do in a hail storm

http://www.comedydefensivedriving.com/texas/ This video tip will let you know what to do when an emergency situation occurs while you are driving. Hail storms can cause severe damage to your car and can even harm you if you get caught off guard. Watch the whole series of short tips! Also, feel free to share the videos as well if you want, the more people to learn about this the better!

Have you ever been curious about the way hail is formed? Hail formation requires the perfect environment of strong, upward sweeping motions or currents of air. Each time the hail formation is swept up through the clouds, another layer or concentric ring is added to it. This happens over and over again until the formation is heavier than the wind is strong and it falls to the earth.

Another thing that I find interesting is that hail is usually described as the size of a sports ball, while tumors are usually described as the size of a breakfast fruit…just an observation.

Tips for driving in a hail storm

Keep your radio tuned in to a weather channel.

Be sure to use your headlights. Most states require you use them in rain anyway.

Slow down. Call your boss or whomever you are trying to impress and tell them you are going to be delayed by weather. Tell them how hard you will be to replace!

Allow extra breaking distance between you and the car ahead of you (use a 6 second rule for wet weather or a 9 second rule for icy weather).

Move your car to a covered area and sit there until the weather alert has ended. A parking garage would be ideal as hail tends to bounce back up after hitting the ground at such a high speed and may bounce into your direction.

If you stop, keep your seat belt on and put on your hazard lights. If pulling over to the shoulder of a freeway, put your signal light on instead, as if you are planning to re-enter the freeway.

Whatever you do, if you stop under an overpass, pull onto the shoulder, do not stop in the traffic lane. Otherwise, people will think that you have already been hit in the head by the hail.

Be extra careful in intersections for people who may not be able to stop.

Be careful stopping or driving near power lines that may be weighed down with ice.

If you practice these recommendations when driving in bad weather, you’ll make it safer for you and everyone around you. And remember, if there is the slightest warning of approaching hail or any other kind of inclement weather, don’t drive unless it is absolutely necessary.

Until next week…keep your car and your head wrinkle-free.

Daun Thompson

Driving In Bad Weather – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER? – HAIL NO! appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Driving With Common Sense

Daun Thompson — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 17:19:58 +0000

What about driving with common sense, and let us not forget to mention laws governing these issues? For example, take a funeral procession. Funeral processions have the right-of-way, but they must yield to emergency vehicles or when directed by a police officer. The lead vehicle must be marked with a light, flag or other insignia indicating a funeral procession. Each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights on as well as its hazard warning lights on. There will always be at least one (and usually two) motorcycle police officers assigned to lead and follow the funeral procession and stop traffic in intersections to allow the funeral procession to proceed safely. So, how can drivers not know the rules when it comes to funerals?

• Funeral processions have the right of way over all vehicles except fire, ambulance and police vehicles (which makes sense as these emergency vehicles should be allowed to pass as to avoid the need for yet another funeral procession).
• They must have a fluorescent orange flag with an appropriate symbol on it.
• It is a civil infraction to cut through a funeral procession.

When in contact with a funeral procession, a driver should be appropriately respectful, but are not required to pull over (again, doing so could cause a crash, requiring a future funeral procession for themselves). So, you may pass a funeral procession but are not allowed to cut in.

And when are we required to put our headlights on during daylight? A good rule to follow is, whenever you have your wipers on, you should also have your headlights on. Also have them on one hour before sunset and one hour after sunrise. Although most states don’t require that your headlights be on when you’re on the highway, it’s probably not a bad idea. Since it seems that cars are getting smaller and most people drive white, silver or light silver-blue cars (look in the parking lot and you will notice this too), these cars tend to blend in with the sky and pavement and are likely more easily seen if the headlights are on.

And NEVER play Pokemon Go when you’re driving. Again, good common sense can keep you from being cited and will likely help you live to a ripe old age. Don’t become a statistic…

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Driving With Common Sense – Comedy Defensive Driving School

The post Driving With Common Sense appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

The Dangers of Icy Driving

Daun Thompson — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:39:48 +0000

It has been a pleasant winter here in the south. But those days are long gone and now we are facing the dangers of icy driving. Since I started driving, the information taught about what to do if you begin to skid out of control has changed. Probably due to front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, all wheel drive and anti-lock brakes. So now, do you steer into the skid, away from the skid, or should you just steer in the direction that you want to be going? My Uncle just skidded out of control and now he’s in rehab. Not hospital rehab, but alcohol rehab. The crazy thing is, my Uncle taught me how to drive. I was taught by a drunk driver. He taught me how to weave and drift across three lanes. And I’m really good at it. It’s in my genes, I suppose.
Now, with freezing rain and bad road conditions, here’s some great information about what to do if your car is caught in a skid. Even if the roads just look snowy, there may be ice under the snow. Or maybe even black ice.

Don’t jam on the brakes. Our first reaction, in a panic, may be to try to stop the car by hitting the brakes.
And don’t jerk the wheel. This would make a bad situation even worse.
Skip happy hour after work. Everyone else out there is going to be driving like they’re drunk. Don’t add to the mix.

So, here’s what to do if your vehicle begins to skid out of control:
Get off the brake, get off the accelerator, straighten the wheel and ride the skid out. It goes against what your instincts would tell you to do. But you’ll get better control of the vehicle and be able to steer around objects, rather than crashing into them. Always think ahead and anticipate the worst because it could happen to YOU.
Also, remember to drive with your eyes, not with your seat. In other words, don’t wait until you “feel” the car sliding underneath you. “Look” for what’s happening in front of you and around your vehicle for other cars and objects that may come into your path.
The best thing you can do to keep safe if you are uncomfortable driving in bad weather conditions is to just stay put until the city can get the roads winterized. If that’s not possible, remember to leave early and drive slower than the suggested speed limit. There will likely other cars speeding past you, honking at you and giving you the finger (that’s what the sunroof is for…and if you can drive with your knees, you can flip people off with both hands). Just let it go. You’ll likely see them in a ditch, further up. So, you win. Then you can wave at them with one, or all five fingers when you pass them.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
The Dangers of Icy Driving – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post The Dangers of Icy Driving appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Driving on Ice

Daun Thompson — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 17:24:36 +0000

It looks like the weather man is predicting icy rain this week in Texas. While I spent most of my early driving years in the Midwest, braving the weather conditions, I am not quite confident about driving on ice. I am reluctant to prepare for freezing temperatures since the weather man is not always spot-on. That would be the best job in the world, being the weather man. You can be completely wrong in your weather predictions and still get paid. I’m sure the six figure job comes with dental and a 401k as well.

If we do find ourselves in a winter wonderland, I’d prefer to curl up under a blanket and avoid driving if I can. Here in Texas, our transportation department is less equipped to respond to icy road conditions than, say, the Midwest or anywhere up north. Drivers here in Texas have less experience and preparation for winter driving. And they find themselves at a high risk of getting in an accident whenever winter affects the roads. In fact, Texas is on the top 10 list for winter driving fatalities. For the drivers out there taking their chances, here are a few tips for driving in icy weather.
You can prepare yourself and your car to help safely navigate icy roads. Starting with good tires, no matter how safe you drive, you won’t get very far without good traction. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread left on them before you drive on icy roads. If they’re bald, unfortunately, you can’t just “comb” the tread over the bald spots. Make sure they have plenty of tread left on them before you drive on icy roads. I feel so very fortunate that I have a car with four-wheel drive (4WD), which can hug icy roads better than those with two-wheel drive or so I thought. Come to find out a four-wheel drive vehicle slides just just as well as a two-wheel drive. So don’t think you can just go plowing along, immune from the elements.

Reduce your speed on icy roads. On slick roads, even driving the speed limit can put you at risk of getting in an accident or getting a ticket. At higher speeds, you won’t have as much reaction time plus, it takes twice as long to stop on icy roads. You simply have less control over your car at higher speeds in bad weather.

But, before you even get into the car, there are several things to check before you venture out. Make sure your windshield wipers are functioning and have an adequate amount of wiper fluid in the reservoir. Check your battery to see if it’s not going to let you down. If it’s old, you may consider getting a new one. Top off your antifreeze so you don’t damage your car’s cooling system and cause your radiator block to crack. And keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter months.

Now, to prepare YOU. Stock up on some jumper cables, an ice scraper, an emergency kit, a flashlight and a bag of cat litter to sprinkle for traction, should you get stuck on an icy road. Blankets, snacks and water wouldn’t hurt as well. And make sure you have your phone charger in case you need to call for assistance. Better yet, just don’t drive!

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Driving on Ice – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Driving on Ice appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Steer Clear – Hazards On The Road

Daun Thompson — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:38:43 +0000

Before I started driving, the first hazard on the road that I experienced was when my drunk dad skid on a patch of black ice and wrecked our mini bike. I think that would be a great t.v. show “My Drunk Dad.” I’d watch it, for one. Heck, I’d even d.v.r. it. And I know all of my friends would watch it too. Seems like most people could relate to a t.v. show or even a reality show about the antics of a drunken provider. Perhaps that show with William H. Macy would have been better entitled My Drunk Dad, rather than Shameless. But back to the mini bike. Perhaps the 7+ inches of snow contributed to its demise. The same day he assembled it, he took it apart…in a snow embankment. Well, at least he survived, but not the mini bike. Road conditions and weather conditions both led to this particular hazard on the road. But other issues such as trucks hauling hazardous liquids or materials could be an accident waiting to happen.

Steering clear of them, rather than riding close by would be your best bet. Even a landscape service truck with all of their equipment loaded in the back could wind up being a hazard on the road. You never know if that equipment is secured in the back. So, following directly behind one of those trucks could lead to your demise. One of those leaf blowers could fall out. And what if the leaf blower guy is still attached to it? After having one of those guys with the leaf blower wake you up at 6:00 a.m., it would be a tough decision whether you should swerve or not, wouldn’t it? I was thinking about purchasing a bb gun at Wal-Mart for the next time one of those guys wakes me up. Even someone hauling furniture in the back of their truck, like a sofa or mattress could be a hazard on the road. And other hazards on the road that you maybe wouldn’t even have thought about…such as a diaper delivery service truck (eww!)…or santa’s toys falling out of his sleigh…or even reindeer poo (ewww!).

So, look out for falling objects, slick roads and tiny reindeer droppings.

Daun Thompson

Comedienne / Artist / Writer

Hazards On The Road – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Steer Clear – Hazards On The Road appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

That’s A Big Ten-Four – Sharing The Road With Trucks

Daun Thompson — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:24:36 +0000

My Grandfather was a truck driver. Casey Graham was ornery, Irish-American and a big drinker. Which wouldn’t go over well the current commercial driver license requirements . Back in those days, in wasn’t uncommon to see a truck driver traveling two days with no sleep. Or, in my Grandfather Casey’s case, with a hangover to boot, but not anymore. There are many restrictions on truck drivers now. They can only drive a limited number of hours in a day. And, they have to keep a meticulous driving log. If they get a ticket of any kind, even in their own vehicle, they cannot take a defensive driving class. So, the violation goes on their driving record. And, after a few of those violations, no one will hire them. It’s also a Federal law that they cannot text and drive. If they get caught, the fine is around $3,000.00. But, fair enough, that’s a big piece of machinery that could take out a lot of families in one fell swoop. All this seems strict and rigid, but there are over 500,000 accidents involving a truck and other trucks or other vehicles each year, with approximately 5,000 fatalities as a result. That means that every 16 minutes, approximately, in this country, someone is either injured or killed in an accident with a truck. So, it’s good to be alert and cautious when sharing the road with trucks.

Driving alongside an eighteen-wheeler is very dangerous. If one of those eighteen wheels blows, the tread from a truck tire, along with its steel belts could easily take your windshield out and possibly remove your head as well. That is not a good look for anyone. Here, we call that a “Jane Mansfield.” They call the blown out tire tread an “alligator.” And we all know that alligators bite!

Driving too closely behind an eighteen-wheeler is also a big “please don’t.” Just like the sticker on the back of the truck states “If you can’t see my side mirrors…I can’t see you.”

These two issues stated above are due to the large size of trucks causing blind spots, also known as “no-zones.”

And, when you are wanting to move over a lane, it’s not cool to whip over in front of an eighteen-wheeler…and we all have done this. There’s always a big space in front of that tractor-trailer for a good reason. It takes one nine times longer to stop than it does for a car to stop. One can weigh up to thirty times as much as a passenger vehicle. So, if you’re in the habit of whipping in front of an eighteen-wheeler, you’re Honda Accord could become a Honda Accordion.

So play it safe around eighteen-wheelers. Know what you’re dealing with. Try to be better about sharing the road with trucks. And be courteous to those poor truckers. That’s a big machine that they’re responsible for.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Comedienne / Writer / Airhead Savant

Sharing The Road With Trucks – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post That’s A Big Ten-Four – Sharing The Road With Trucks appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Happy Holidays everybody! Holiday Travel Warning

Lisa — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:02:14 +0000

This is a warning to all holiday travelers who will be on the roads this Christmas Eve, there is a phenomenon known as “reindeer strikes.”This is when motor vehicles are stuck by reindeer dung from 500 to 1000 feet.This is a real and dangerous concern for all motorists, imagine you have a 2 to 5 pound reindeer “number two” falling at a 120 miles per hour and if you multiply the mass times the velocity, the momentum would be like a 600 pound turd-torpedo coming through your windshield!There are approximately over 300 incidents in North America every year, some theorist suspect there are more but because of government cover ups, it’s hard to say exactly how many reindeer strikes there really are.

In my investigation, I uncovered a letter from Lieutenant General James Garner of the U.S. Air Force (no relation to the actor) to the North Pole Aviation Administration who is in charge of all flights by St. Nickolas and his reindeer team in and out of the Arctic region.The letter stated that the U.S. government and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were concern about reindeer crap causing so many accidents and made some suggestions to help the problem.The letter was responded by an uncharacteristic photo of an old fat guy’s ass sitting on a copy machine.

According to international law, no government, not even the United Nations has jurisdiction over the North Pole.So it all boils down to the fact that “we” are going to have to be on the defense from reindeer strikes and while you’re at it, be on the lookout for drunk drivers, Christmas carolers and don’t let Grandma get run over by a reindeer!(Damn, I hate that song!!!)

I hope you and your family have a safe and fun holiday season and a better 2011!!!!!!

Take care and be safe-

Danny Keaton

The post Happy Holidays everybody! Holiday Travel Warning appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.