Driving in bad weather can be challenging and dangerous. Here are some essential tips to help you drive safely under adverse conditions:
1. Slow Down:
Reduce Speed: Wet, icy, or snow-covered roads reduce traction, so it’s important to drive slower than you would in normal conditions. Slower speeds allow you more time to react and reduce the likelihood of skidding.
2. Increase Following Distance:
More Space: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you more time to stop safely if the car ahead slows down or stops suddenly. A good rule of thumb is to double or triple your normal following distance.
3. Use Headlights:
Visibility: Turn on your headlights to improve your visibility to others, even during the day. In foggy conditions, use low beams or fog lights to avoid glare. High beams can reflect off rain, snow, or fog and reduce visibility.
4. Avoid Sudden Movements:
Smooth Steering: Make gradual, smooth movements with the steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator. Abrupt changes in direction or speed can cause your vehicle to lose traction and skid.
5. Beware of Hydroplaning:
Avoid Puddles: When driving in the rain, avoid driving through standing water or puddles, as they can cause your vehicle to hydroplane, leading to a loss of control. If you do hydroplane, ease off the gas, keep the steering wheel straight, and avoid braking suddenly.
6. Know How to Handle Skidding:
Front-Wheel Skid: If your front wheels lose traction, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go.
Rear-Wheel Skid: If your rear wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If you’re driving a manual vehicle, push in the clutch.
7. Brake Gently:
Avoid Hard Braking: In slippery conditions, brake gently to avoid locking your wheels. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal. If you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes gently.