If you drive a car, you’re inevitably going to find yourself driving in adverse weather conditions at some point since you never know when bad weather can strike. Whether you’re going on a hunting trip or headed to the store to buy milk, extreme weather can hit when you least suspect.
Since you can’t always avoid the bad weather, it’s best to know how to handle it if it arrives. Here are some of the best tips for driving in adverse weather conditions.
Table of Contents
Avoid Driving If Possible
If you have any sort of indication that bad weather is going to hit, you should postpone your drive until a later time. You may wind up wasting time if you try getting to your destination when there is bad weather.
Between traffic and having to drive slowly to avoid losing control of your vehicle, you should put off driving until the weather has cleared up. If not, you should at least try an alternative route that is as safe as possible.
Leave Plenty Of Room Between You And Other Cars
When driving in bad weather, it’s important that you create enough space around your vehicle to avoid hitting anyone else. Since braking time can take double the amount from slick roads; it’s important that you anticipate as much room as possible. Slamming onto your brakes at the last minute can lead to slipping and sliding resulting in an injury.
Use Your Headlights
If you thought that your headlights were only for nighttime, you’re incorrect. It’s important that you use your lights in adverse weather conditions to improve your visibility. Make sure that you’re not using your high beams so that you avoid blinding other drivers.
Other cars will be able to see you and stay aware of your presence. One of the biggest causes of accidents during bad weather Is lack of visibility. Your headlights will help you see clearly ahead of you. Additionally, you’ll help other drivers see you.
Pull Over If Needed
When you’re in conditions like snow, and it shows no signs of slowing down, sometimes the best plan is to pull over. If you have any sort of inclination that you’re going to lose control of your vehicle, you should pull over and abandon your vehicle.
For this reason, you should always carry flares with you as well as a phone. You never know when bad weather could leave you stranded and in need of help.
Turn On Radio
Listening to a radio station that offers up-to-date weather information is prudent when the weather is particularly bad. The station may inform you of routes that have been closed off or safer roads to take to avoid accidents. Just make sure it’s played at a reasonable volume so that you don’t lose focus on the road.
