When bad weather strikes, the roads can become hazardous and unpredictable. Whether you’re dealing with rain, snow, ice, or fog, it’s crucial to adapt your driving habits to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. While knowing what to do is important, it’s equally vital to understand what not to do during inclement weather. By avoiding certain mistakes, you can minimize your risks and navigate tough conditions with confidence. Here are some key driving blunders to avoid when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Table of Contents
1. Don’t Drive Too Fast
One of the most common mistakes people make during bad weather is driving too fast. Regardless of how well you know the roads or how confident you are behind the wheel, adverse weather conditions dramatically reduce traction and visibility. Snow, rain, and ice can make roads slippery, increasing the distance it takes to stop your car.
Instead of sticking to your usual speed, reduce it. Slow down, even if you don’t feel like you’re driving too fast. Lowering your speed helps maintain control of your vehicle and provides extra time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or hazards. It’s better to arrive a little late than to risk your safety or the safety of others.
2. Don’t Ignore Your Tires
Tires are one of the most important aspects of safe driving, especially during inclement weather. Worn-out tires with low tread or improperly inflated tires are a recipe for disaster when road conditions are slick. They provide less grip on wet or icy roads, making it harder to steer, brake, or accelerate effectively.
Before heading out, check your tire pressure and ensure your tires are in good condition. If they’re worn down, consider replacing them with tires better suited for inclement weather, such as winter tires. Tire maintenance might seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in your ability to stay in control of your vehicle during adverse conditions.
3. Don’t Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is a great feature for long, straight highways under clear conditions, but it can be dangerous in inclement weather. When using cruise control in rain, snow, or fog, your car may not respond as quickly as needed to changes in road conditions. For example, if the road becomes slick or you need to brake suddenly, cruise control could delay your reaction time.
Instead, keep your foot on the accelerator and brake pedal, maintaining full control over the vehicle. By doing so, you can more effectively adjust to sudden changes in weather or road conditions.
4. Don’t Follow Too Closely
Tailgating is never a good idea, but it becomes even more dangerous during poor weather. When the roads are wet or icy, stopping distances are much longer. If you’re too close to the car ahead of you, you might not have enough time to react if that driver suddenly slows down or stops.
As a rule of thumb, always increase your following distance in bad weather. A safe distance of at least 5 seconds is a good guideline, but be prepared to increase it even further if conditions worsen. This gives you the space you need to stop safely and avoids rear-end collisions.
5. Don’t Overestimate Visibility
Heavy rain, snow, fog, or ice can drastically reduce visibility, making it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs. Many drivers make the mistake of thinking they can continue driving as if the weather isn’t impacting visibility. This can be extremely dangerous, as it’s easy to miss a turn, stop sign, or other hazards.
During bad weather, make sure to turn on your headlights, not just your daytime running lights. Headlights increase visibility for both you and other drivers. If visibility drops too low, it’s best to pull over to a safe location and wait for conditions to improve. Don’t risk driving in conditions where you can’t see far enough ahead to react in time.
6. Don’t Make Sudden Movements
When driving on wet or icy roads, sudden movements—whether it’s quick steering, hard braking, or sharp acceleration—can lead to loss of control. It’s crucial to drive smoothly and gradually, especially when making turns or changing lanes. Jerky movements can cause your tires to lose traction, resulting in a skid or spin-out.
Instead, use gentle inputs to the steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator. If you need to stop, do so slowly and with plenty of space. In icy conditions, use your brakes gently to avoid sliding and allow the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to do its job if your vehicle is equipped with one.
7. Don’t Forget About Your Windshield Wipers
When rain, snow, or sleet starts falling, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as turning on your windshield wipers. But in poor weather conditions, keeping your wipers in good working order is essential for maintaining visibility. Make sure your wipers are functioning correctly and replace them regularly if you notice them streaking or leaving spots.
Also, keep your windshield washer fluid topped off so you can clear away grime, snow, or rain when needed. In some cases, using your defrost settings to keep your windshield clear of fog can be just as important as wiping away precipitation.
8. Don’t Drive If You’re Not Prepared
If the weather conditions are particularly severe, it’s best to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If the forecast calls for heavy snow, a blizzard, or flash flooding, consider delaying your trip or rescheduling it for a safer time. It’s always wiser to wait for the weather to improve than to take unnecessary risks on the road.
Additionally, if you must drive, ensure your vehicle is ready for the conditions. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials such as a blanket, flashlight, water, food, and a first-aid kit. Having a full gas tank, extra clothing, and a charged phone can be lifesavers if you find yourself stuck in traffic or stranded.
And remember, driving under the influence can impair your judgment and reaction times, making dangerous conditions even worse. If you’re in the Salt Lake City area, a DUI accident lawyer can help if you’re involved in a crash caused by impaired driving. Stay sober, stay safe, and make responsible choices on the road.
In Conclusion
Driving during inclement weather requires heightened awareness and careful decision-making. By avoiding common mistakes like driving too fast, ignoring your tires, or tailgating, you can greatly reduce your risk of accidents. Slow down, stay alert, and make adjustments to your driving based on the conditions. Remember, safety should always come first, no matter what the weather is like outside.
George is the voice behind Wisdomised, a news blog dedicated to delivering fresh, engaging stories that keep readers both informed and entertained. With a sharp eye for current events and trending topics, George crafts posts that make complex news accessible and enjoyable. His unique perspective and storytelling skills bring a refreshing twist to every update, inviting readers to explore the world through Wisdomised.