Extreme Weather Driving

The United States Department of Transportation has stated that every year during bad weather on our highways there are more than 450,000 accidents. Learn how to prepare for safe driving in different weather conditions.

Extreme weather conditions, such as rain, fog, ice, snow and even dust, can affect normal driving by limiting a driver’s ability to see the road ahead clearly.

You have to slow down on the first sign of rain, fog or snow on the road. This is when the road surface is especially likely to be slippery as the moisture mixes with the oil and dust layering the surface. This can seriously impact vehicle control on all roads, but for a sloping road, the angle of decent can increase slip when braking. 

Driving in perfect weather conditions is demanding enough, but when weather conditions conspire against you, it is important to take additional precautions so you arrive at the destination safely. You may already know that slowing down and increasing concentration can make a big difference whenever you are driving, but these extra precautions listed below focus on specific weather conditions which can alter the road surface being traveled.

Snow or Ice

It cannot be repeated too often – slow down. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, often becoming very icey, so slow the vehicle down before hitting these areas of highway. Avoid the need to make sudden changes in speed or direction by planning ahead, and keeping control of the vehicle. Another icey location can be at stopping or slowing points, like intersections, street corners and merging lanes.

In snowy conditions, be sure the snow has been removed from all the car windows and mirrors before starting out. Because the windows will fog up quickly, keep the windows clear by using the window air vents to stop the glass from fogging up and impacting the driver’s visibility. This action includes the rear window defroster. If the snow is very heavy and you feel the need to stop, find a safe flat and/or downhill place to pull over on the right side of the road, turn on the emergency flashers and wait for visibility to improve before continuing.

Slowed driving is not the only style change called for in snow conditions. Braking should be carefully done, with a slow and steady foot pressure. Sudden braking can lead to loss of control and the vehicle fishtailing into surrounding objects. If you have anti-lock brakes, the same rules apply – apply a constant, firm pressure on the pedal. Also, increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will mean you will have to be prepared for a driver in another lane suddenly inserting their vehicle into the space. Just drop back from them, and keep the same safe distance.

If the vehicle becomes stuck in the snow, you may need to dig out a flattened area around each tire to ‘level’ the wheels for using quick acceleration straight forward to get moving again. If you remembered to include sand or dirt in your trunk preparedness kit, use some of either for traction under the wheels. pieces of cardboard can also work.

Rains

Turn on the wipers, adjusting the wiper speed to the rain conditions. Wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance.

Be sure to turn on the normal headlights because visibility is often reduced in rainy conditions. Also, increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will mean you will have to be prepared for a driver in another lane suddenly inserting their vehicle into the space. Just drop back from them, and keep the same safe distance.

Keep the windows clear, using the window air vents to stop the glass from fogging up and impacting the driver’s visibility.

Slow the car’s speed. Caution is important on wet roads, particularly when the first drops fall. The road surface becomes very slick as the rain falls and the friction between the tires and the surface is reduced. This reduced friction increases with more rainfall, and high speed can result in hydroplaning.

On rainy highways, suggest turning off the speed control system. This will allow the driver to have total controls of the vehicle speed and be able to respond to the changing road conditions.

Caution is paramount when encountering a flooded road. The safest action is to go around the flooded area, taking the extra time to find an alternative path. Never cross the flooded road, blind to the water’s depth. The last thing you want is to get caught or stranded in the flood waters. 

Fog

Slow down. Driving at normal speeds in fog can be very dangerous.

Day or night, always use low beams  or normal headlights. Avoid using high-beam headlights in foggy conditions because fog consists of tiny water droplets that spread and they will reflect light back to the driver, further reducing visibility. If the vehicle has them, definitely use the fog lights.

Stay totally focused on the road being traveled. Driving in foggy conditions is not a time for multi-tasking. 

Because of low visibility a driver is not comfortable continuing to drive in fog, find a safe place to pull over on the right side of the road, turn on the emergency flashers and wait for visibility to improve before continuing.

High winds

Be careful when driving. Watch the wind-blown wreckage on the roadway. Because of wind caused lane drift, use extra caution when approaching or passing near trailers, high-profile vehicles and vehicles towing boats or other items.

If the vehicle you are driving is a trailer or towing another vehicle or boat, heed the high wind warning forecasts and road signs, and proceed with caution. If the trip can be delayed, consider waiting for the high winds to stop. If the highway is posted with high wind warnings for the stretch you are on, lower your speed, grip  the steering firmly and stay aware of the wind’s push against the vehicle.

Severe Thunderstorms

Turn on the headlights and extend the spacing of your vehicle to those in front of you.

If available, tune in a local radio station who will provide local meteorological updates for storms and traffic issues in the area.

Hail Storm

To minimize damage to the vehicle, find a sheltered area. Pull under the cover provided by a bridge or under an overpass.

Tornado

Never try to out run the tornado. Get out of the vehicle and find a haven. If you cannot access a secure structure, find a low area like a ditch or culvert and lie flat. Keep your face down to protect yourself from flying scraps covering the back of your head and neck with your hands. Be careful about sudden floods.

Approaching Hurricane

Do not wait to leave a threatened area when a hurricane is predicted to arrive. If unable to leave, find a protective local and stay indoors, keeping yourself safe and secure.

Some all weather safety tips

Always wear a seat belt. Every trip, every time.

Focus on your destination and avoid distractions or interference.

Keep a store of items in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle which can be used in case of changes in road conditions. Depending on the physical location, be sure to Include items like water and a blanket, even some food items in cause you get stranded.