No matter if you are traveling locally or cross-country, bad weather increases the risks associated with driving. While it is advisable to postpone driving until conditions improve, if necessary follow these safety tips to reach your destination safely.
Make sure that all passengers in your vehicle wear seatbelts. This could save lives!
Snow
As much as it would be beneficial to stay off of roadways during severe weather, skilled drivers can still adopt advanced driving practices to minimize risk. When facing blizzards, floods, or dense fog, driving with increased awareness and slow speeds is paramount for safety.
Gentle handling of steering wheels, gas and brake pedals as you drive is important when driving on slippery roads; sudden movements could loosen tires that have only tenuous grip on them and increase your risk of skidding and losing control. Increase following distance to allow time to react if another vehicle suddenly stops unexpectedly; turn on headlights at dawn or dusk for improved visibility; give snowplow drivers plenty of space as they may be working harder than you to clear roadways of snow and ice; also be mindful when passing snow plow drivers who might be working harder than yourself to keep roadways clear of snow plows as they might need some space too.
Rain
Driving safely during adverse weather conditions requires increased concentration and control, from dealing with blizzard conditions to heavy rainstorms. Slower speeds, increased following distances and lighter touch on both gas and brake pedals are essential elements to staying safe when conditions worsen.
Hydroplaning is the primary risk when driving on wet roadways; when your tires lose contact with the surface and skid across it. To reduce this risk, make sure that you drive in the center of the road; rainwater pools on edges which could hide hazards like potholes or sandpits. Also avoid following larger vehicles closely such as buses as they emit spray of water that reduces nearby driver visibility.
To ensure that your truck has sufficient traction, switch to all-season or winter tires and ensure they remain properly inflated. Furthermore, use headlights during daylight hours as well as turning them on during inclement weather in order to help other drivers see your vehicle more clearly.
High Winds
Windy conditions can make controlling your vehicle harder, particularly at high speeds. To be safe when driving in high winds, it’s important to reduce speed considerably and give yourself enough distance between you and other vehicles.
Keep both hands firmly on the wheel, and maintain focus while driving. Sudden gusts of wind can quickly cause you to lose control, even for experienced drivers. Furthermore, trucks, buses, RVs and campers with tall sides may require extra room as these vehicles are more vulnerable to sudden wind gusts pushing them around.
Pay attention to items such as tree limbs, garbage cans and lawn furniture which could become debris on the roadway. Be wary of objects like power lines which could fall during storms or high winds – stay aware and pay attention to what other drivers are doing while driving on the road.
Black Ice
Avoiding black ice may not always be possible, but taking additional measures during adverse weather conditions can help drivers reach their destinations safely. When possible, postpone travel until the sun has warmed enough to soften some of the icy spots; or drive along roads with heavy shade and avoid areas like tunnels or bridges where black ice forms frequently.
Keep your speed low to reduce the chance of skidding or hydroplaning and create a safety buffer if you encounter areas of black ice. Shift into lower gear if cars ahead are sliding, and gently use your brake pedal if cars appear to be sliding ahead. Never slam on the brakes as this could cause your vehicle to skid further out of control.
Stay calm and take a deep breath to restore your composure. Additionally, purchasing winter tires for your car may offer superior grip and handling on wintry roads and highways.