Heavy rain, thick fog, snow, and ice bring poor weather conditions. It can get unpredictable fast for most seasoned drivers. The seasoned pro or the newcomer will pay to know how to stay safe in tricky weather. This guide provides tips to help you prepare for any weather. It covers getting your vehicle ready and improving your driving habits.
General Precautions
Before we discuss specific weather conditions, take some precautions. They will keep you safer in a bad situation, regardless of the weather.
- Slow Down
It’s simple. But being a bit ahead of it when it rains down the street or when it gets light down low makes a big difference. Traveling a little slower will help you spot dangers and changes in traffic. Also, it reduces the chances of skidding since it reduces friction.
- Mind The Distance
If the weather were not so great, your stopping distance would have increased. You should maintain at least 5 seconds of clearance from the car ahead of you. In the event that it stops suddenly ahead of you, you will find enough time to stop without coming in contact with the vehicle.
- Monitor The Weather
Before you leave, check the weather. Many live weather updates and broadcasts have alerts on sites. This will help you plan your route and avoid dangerous conditions.
- Maintain Your Vehicle
What really matters to your vehicle, making all the difference in bad weather, is how it is treated. Your tires should be adequately inflated with enough tread for optimal performance. See to it that your brakes work perfectly. You would want to change your windshield wipers once their useful life is over. Proper maintenance would ensure your safe travel.
- Prepare An Emergency Kit
An emergency kit in the car is always good. It’s vital due to unpredictable weather. Pack some essentials. These are priceless if you get stuck or stranded during bad weather.
- Avoid Distractions
It’s never safe to drive when distracted, and it becomes even worse during bad weather. Put the phone away. Don’t snack or change the radio. Keep your hands on the wheel. This will help you notice and react to changing conditions.
Driving In Heavy Rain
Heavy rain can make even the shortest drive extremely difficult in seconds. The greatest problems are reduced visibility and slippery roads. However, that does not necessarily mean it’s impossible to be safe.
- Turn On Your Headlights
It is not only for your visibility but also for the other people driving. Most places require headlights in the rain. It helps you see others, especially in heavy rain.
- Avoid Puddles
Puddles may not seem dangerous. But crossing them can cause your car to lose traction and even your hydroplane. Keep as much as you can in the middle lanes because water collection is not that high. If you cannot avoid a puddle, slow down to get an opportunity to lose control as minimally as possible.
- Replace Wiper Blades
Replace your windshield wipers if they streak or fail to clear rain properly. This will help your visibility, so it’s better to replace them before they start to fail.
- Stay In Someone’s Tracks
If the car ahead splashes water on the road, follow their tire tracks. This may help you avoid deeper puddles for a short distance. It is very useful in heavy rain when vision is not good.
- Know What To Do When Hydroplaning
Do not panic. As soon as your car hydroplanes, ease off the gas and slowly roll in the direction you would like to head. Don’t slam on the brakes. It could be too much for your car to bear the sudden braking; let it regain its grip again and get steady again.
To find out more about driving tips during rain, you can visit the safety tips from AAA on wet-weather driving.
Driving In Foggy Conditions
There are so many weather conditions that make even the most routine drive a hazardous venture. One of them is fog: it greatly reduces visibility, making it very difficult to spot other vehicles or road obstacles. Here’s how to stay safe in foggy weather:
- Use Low-Beam Headlights
High beams would be helpful, but they tend to reflect light into your eyes and make the fog worse. Low beams cut through the fog much better and help you see the road much better.
- Obey Road Markings
Use the white line along the right side of the road as a guide if you can’t even see that clearly. The secret trick is to keep you pointed in the correct direction and also prevent you from drifting out of your lane.
- Use Your Turn Signals
Fog obscures others’ view of you, so signal well ahead of crossing over or turning. That little extra time is enough to prevent accidents by warning other people of your intent.
- Use Fog Lights If Available
If your car is fitted with fog lights, use them. These are designed to improve your visibility when it is foggy and really can make all the difference in seeing the road clearly.
See National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for details on safe driving in fog.
Driving In Snow And Ice
Winter driving is quite a different ball game, as snow and ice can change the way your car handles drastically. Here’s how you should drive in such weather:
- Accelerate And Brake Slowly
On snow and ice, jerky movements will cause you to skid out of control. Smoother acceleration and braking will keep you in better control and prevent you from skidding.
- Drive Further Apart
Stopping distance increases on icy roads. Use a 6-second following distance so that if something unexpected happens, you’ll have time to react.
- Watch Out For Black Ice
This one is very dangerous because it is nearly impossible to spot when it’s on a bridge or in a shady area. The most susceptible people are taken by surprise. As you approach the area, you see a wet or shiny spot on the road. You slow down. This is really easy to miss.
- Use Winter Tires Or Chains
If you live in a cold region, invest in winter tires. If necessary, get snow chains. They will help your car grip snowy or icy roads. They can make all the difference in a tough situation.
- Avoid Sudden Movements
Any sudden stop may cause skids on snow or ice, which can be a result of jerking the wheel or slamming on the brakes. If your car starts to skid, then steer in that direction to control it.
For more safety driving tips while winter driving, visit the National Weather Service’s Winter Driving Safety Guide.
Preparing For Weather Events
- Be Informed About What To Expect
Tune into The Weather Channel for information and updates about storms. Keeping yourself informed helps you prepare and adjust your traveling plans according to the changes in the weather.
- Save Travel For Only When Necessary
Avoid traveling altogether if you do not have to. Try to stay away from driving when the storm appears on your weather radar. Monitor the weather conditions and roads closely if you must travel.
- Know Your Safe Place
If the weather is bad, stop and take a safe place on the side to pull over and wait for the bad weather to cease. Never drive through water since just a few inches will mean losing control of your car.
- Be Your Guard Against Flash Floods
There, it is said flash floods are relatively sudden and dangerous. And one should not drive on any road with the presence of water. A minute drop of water is enough to push you into losing control.
FAQs
Q: My vehicle is hydroplaning; what do I do?
A: Steer, ease off on the gas just a little, and turn toward where you would like to be. Don’t slam on the brakes because you’re only gonna make it worse.
Q: How do you see better on a hard-raining day?
A: Keep your windshield wipers good; you’re driving your lights on; you are going at a speed that matches what you are seeing.
Q: Am I safe when I am driving the cruise?
A: Absolutely not; bad weather will make you less responsive to the road and weather.
Q: What is black ice, and how may I observe that?
A: Black ice is a very thin layer of ice that appears almost transparent. It occurs on bridges or shaded areas, so you must be very careful and slow down when it’s near or about to freeze.
Conclusion
While it is true, driving in poor weather requires lots of patience. It also takes caution and all the preparation at hand. This greatly reduces the potential for accidents. One should stay updated and change one’s driving habits. The safety of a person should be the priority.
