Tips for Driving in Bad Weather
Bad weather can contribute to traffic accidents, but there are ways to lessen the risks. WBHM contacted area law enforcement agencies, including the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Below are suggestions for people who have to drive in wet or unpredictable conditions:
- Leave plenty of room in front of you. Tailgating or following too closely while driving is dangerous. Stopping distances on wet roads are increased, and if you’re not leaving 2-3 seconds of driving time between you and the vehicle in front of you, you are tailgating even in normal conditions.
- Slow down. A car traveling 60 mph covers 88 feet in one second. In bad weather, visibility is often compromised. “Speed is the big risk factor in rain,” says BPD Sergeant Bryan Shelton. “And just because you see a speed limit sign doesn’t mean you have to go that fast.”
- Use your wiper blades. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t,” Shelton says.
- Use your signals to communicate with other drivers.
- Make sure your tire treads are not worn. A vehicle that can stop normally on a dry road can slide on a wet one.
- Do not ever try to drive through moving water or standing water of unknown depth.
- Do not drive while distracted. “Do not even check weather reports on your smart phone — that’s what WBHM is for,” says Shelton.
- Do not jerk the steering wheel, and be gentle on the gas and brakes as well.
The officers we spoke with pointed out that staying off the roads in bad weather is the most effective safety strategy of all.
Boeing machinists approve contract, bringing an end to a bruising seven-week strike
Striking machinists voted to approve an agreement that will hike wages by 38%. The deal was endorsed by union leaders, who warned that Boeing’s next offer might be worse.
States and cities beef up security to prepare for potential election-related violence
Washington state's governor activated the National Guard to stand by to help local law enforcement as needed. Meanwhile, extra security is in place at locations across Washington, D.C.
When will mail-in and absentee ballots be counted?
Various state rules regarding when election officials can process and count mail ballots means it will likely take some time after Election Day before the results from these ballots are fully known.
When do polls close in every state? Here’s a timeline
The Associated Press can't call any races until polls close in their respective state. Here's a breakdown of when that will happen.
How has the Electoral College survived, despite being perennially unpopular?
Despite its substantial-sounding name, the Electoral College isn’t a permanent body: It’s more of a process. For decades, a majority of Americans have wanted it to be changed.
Thousands of Pennsylvania voters have had their mail ballot applications challenged
Thousands of last-minute challenges to voters’ mail ballot applications, along with baseless claims by former President Donald Trump, are adding pressure on Pennsylvania county officials.
