Tips for Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions
Regardless of how long you’ve been driving, it’s important to remember how to drive in less than desirable weather conditions. Even when you’ve mapped out your tripped and checked the weather, storms can be unpredictable at any time of the year. Whether you’re facing dense fog, a heavy downpour, or snowy conditions, knowing how to operate your vehicle safely is crucial. This will help you prevent an accident and get you to your destination safely.
Knowing How to Drive in All Conditions
If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, it may seem like nothing to drive down the highway on a sunny day. But when mother nature decides there are other things in store, road conditions can quickly deteriorate. To avoid hazards and potential injuries, let’s take a look at tips for driving in adverse weather conditions.
Keep in mind that even with the following tips, not all drivers are aware of how to safely maneuver through adverse weather. Other drivers may choose to be negligent behind the wheel, which puts everyone at risk. If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to contact an auto accident lawyer.
Driving in the Rain
Rain may not seem like a big deal, but any road condition that’s less than ideal can cause an accident. Rain causes limited visibility and slick roads that tires can hydroplane on. To drive as safely as possible in wet conditions, remember to always give yourself plenty of time to stop. Stopping on a wet road can take longer because your tires won’t grip the road as well. Keeping distance between you and other cars prevents rear-end collisions
It’s also important to make sure your headlights are on. They will help you see and let other drivers know you’re on the road. In addition to that, do what you can to avoid puddles of water. Driving in the tracks of the car in front of you is a good way to do this.
Driving on Ice and Snow
If you absolutely have to drive in snowy conditions, remember that it could take you twice as long to get to your destination. It’s crucial to give yourself plenty of time. Once you’re on the road, take some time to test out your brakes. You’ll want to be aware of how your car performs differently on snowy and icy surfaces.
As you start driving, take corners slowly. If you take a corner too fast, you could easily lose control of your vehicle. Remember to accelerate and decelerate slowly, which also prevents control loss. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of black ice. This thin, transparent layer of ice can easily cause your car to spin out of control. The best way to avoid black ice is to watch the road ahead of you and avoid areas that appear slick or glossy.
Driving Through Fog
While you may think it’s more dangerous to drive in snow or rain, fog can be even more hazardous. When fog is thick, it severely impairs a driver’s ability to see the road. Often times, the safest way to handle fog is to pull over.
If you’re unable to pull over, be sure to avoid using your high-beams. This will reduce the amount of light reflecting off the fog in front of you, which makes it even harder to see. It’s also a good idea to use the white line on the right side of the road to guide you. This will keep you in your lane and keep your eyes off the headlights of oncoming traffic.
In regard to the other cars around you, maintain a significant distance. You’ll want plenty of time to stop in the event of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to put your turn signals on earlier than normal. This will let the cars around you know that you’ll be departing from your lane.
The above tips can help you stay safe on the road in common adverse weather conditions. But, always remember that sometimes it’s safer to pull off the road and wait or stay home until the roads are clear.