Driving in hazardous weather requires extra skill, concentration, and preparation. For best results, postpone your journey until weather improves.
One of the key tips for safe driving is slowing down. Furthermore, experts advise leaving more space between your vehicle and any vehicles ahead.
Wind
Strong winds pose risks to all drivers, particularly those driving high-profile vehicles like vans, trucks and buses; motorbikes; or those towing trailers. When in these conditions sudden gusts push your vehicle from its lane into other drivers’ paths causing havoc.
Slow down and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to increase your control when passing larger high-sided vehicles on exposed sections of road or in tunnels or structures that act as wind funnels. It is especially essential that this advice be adhered to if passing large high-sided vehicles through tunnels or structures which create wind funnels.
If the winds become too powerful to drive safely, pull onto an off-ramp and remain parked until they subside. Otherwise, consider choosing another route or postponing your journey until weather improves. Keep an eye out for debris like tree branches or cardboard boxes in the roadway that could hit your windshield and obscure vision.
Rain
Rainy conditions cause numerous accidents each year, so it is wise to take extra precautions while driving in these conditions. Wet roads limit both vehicle traction and visibility, so it is best to drive slower than usual in these situations.
As part of your precautions against wet roads, it is advisable to increase your following distance in order to allow more time and space for braking. If you follow too closely behind another car, they could suddenly need to slam on their brakes unexpectedly and cause your vehicle to collide into them – potentially leading to an accident!
Windy conditions accompanying wet weather should also be taken into consideration, as gusts can push your vehicle around on the road. Beware of their potential and stay away from large trucks and buses which could be hit by strong gusts; additionally make sure your windshield wipers work well and your headlights are on to maximize visibility.
Snow
Even experienced drivers find snowy conditions challenging to drive through, with visibility and behavior issues becoming primary concerns when driving in snowy conditions.
One of the primary factors of bad driving during winter months is speeding. This practice becomes even more hazardous on snow-covered roads where traction has been significantly diminished; acceleration, stopping and turning require much longer time frames on these conditions; it is best to travel much slower than the speed limit with three car lengths between you and vehicles ahead.
If your instrument cluster illuminates with an amber flashing light while you accelerate, this could be your stability control system’s warning that your tires have lost grip on the road and you should pay attention. Take this seriously – it could save your life! Additionally, stay away from snowplows which often throw snow back onto roads, as this can impair vision.
Ice
Ice on roadways can be an invisible danger that quickly increases. Icy roads may also result in sudden loss of traction, making it harder to avoid hydroplaning.
Slowing down should always be your top priority on icy roads, since higher speeds increase the risk of losing control and making stops more challenging.
Be wary when driving on bridges, as their surfaces tend to freeze faster than nearby road surfaces. Keep an eye out for black ice which may look similar to puddles but be challenging to detect while driving.
Accelerate and brake smoothly when traveling on an icy road surface; sudden movements could cause your wheels to lock up, leading to longer stopping distances than on dry pavement. Furthermore, many experts advise using higher gears in order to help the vehicle grip packed ice better while managing engine power delivery more effectively.