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In our rural communities here, it’s almost impossible not to spend a lot of time on the road. If you live in a town, you might be lucky enough to be within walking distance of a few things. But most of the time, you’ll need a car or truck to get to your job or the grocery store or restaurant or whatever your destination is.

For this job, I’m often on the road, traveling from one event or interview to another. It racks up a lot of miles because the four Roanoke-Chowan counties cover such a wide area. In fact, it takes me a little under 40 minutes to commute to the office in Ahoskie from my home in Northampton County every day. But I don’t mind the drive! It gives me plenty of time to listen to music.

What I do mind, however, is reckless driving.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen people driving too fast or slow or not paying attention to what’s in front of them, creating unsafe conditions for themselves and the people around them. I’m not a perfect driver – no one is – but I do try my best to be safe on the road. We all want to get to our destination safely, so we all have to share the road and be courteous as we travel.

I’ve learned over the years that you have to have patience to drive. If you get stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle, such as a tractor or garbage truck, you just have to wait until it’s safe to pass. Please don’t put others in danger just to save yourself a few extra seconds on the road. (You will lose the time you gained at the next stop sign or stoplight anyway.)

But it’s not only other drivers we need to watch out for. Weather and other adverse conditions can also play a part in making your drive more hazardous.

Every now and then, NPR shares articles featuring tips and other advice that can be useful in everyday life. I recently read two on safe driving, particularly in bad road conditions. Here’s some information I thought would be important to share:

It can get incredibly windy during the spring season. (I think March “came in like a lion” and also “went out like a lion” this year.) Drivers are advised to not drive in windy conditions if possible. But if you are on the road when a windstorm hits, it’s important to slow down and keep both hands on the wheel to keep your car as steady as possible. Keep an eye out for other vehicles nearby, particular larger ones that are more prone to being adversely affected by wind gusts.

You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for debris, which can be easily thrown about in heavy winds. If the wind knocks down power lines, do not drive over them. Turn around and find a different route.

If you’re in your car during a tornado, experts say the best thing to do is get out and get into an area below ground level, like a ditch or a ravine. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than experiencing a rollover-type crash while inside your car thanks to the tornado.

Here are some NPR tips for other hazardous situations as well:

Avoid speeding. If there are hazards in the road, they are easier to avoid if you’re not going too fast.

If another driver on the road is threatening you, call 911 and don’t engage with them. Road rage events seem to be more common these days, so protect yourself by not stopping and confronting them.

If your car engine is stalling or running out of gas, experts say not to slam on brakes. Instead, ease off the accelerator, turn on your hazard flashers, and try to veer off the highway as safely as possible to stop.

If you’re on the side of the road waiting for help, it can be safer to sit in the passenger seat. That puts you farther away from traffic that’s passing by.

If your car is smoking or flaming, turn off the engine and get as far away as possible (at least 100 feet). Call emergency services and do not try to fight the fire yourself.

In extremely rainy conditions, slow down and make sure you are using your headlights. (This is a particular pet peeve of mine! Even if you have automatic headlights, please figure out how to turn them on when it’s raining. It makes it easier for you to see, and for everyone else on the road to see you as well.)

If you’re skidding on ice, don’t accelerate or hit the brakes. Carefully turn the wheel in the direction you want to go, and then straighten the wheel as your car straightens back out.

Don’t use your high beams in heavy fog. The bright light just reflects off the water molecules, and actually reduces your field of vision. Just use your regular headlights, and, as always, drive slower in those kinds of conditions.

If your car is falling into a body of water, unbuckle your seatbelt and roll down the window. Once a vehicle is submerged, the water pressure makes it difficult to open the door, meaning you’ll have to use the window to escape.

And lastly, keep emergency supplies (such as a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, blankets, etc) on hand in your car. You never know what may happen while you’re on the road.

Be safe out there!

Holly Taylor is a Staff Writer for Roanoke-Chowan Publications. Contact her at holly.taylor@r-cnews.com or 252-332-7206.