Driving Safe in Fog, Rain and Winter

Tips for Surviving Road Travel in Bad Weather

Veteran or newly licensed drivers can always use a refresher on how to survive the worst weather conditions when driving.

Being over-confident can be just as dangerous as being scared and a few friendly how-to tips can help keep not just the driver safe, but everyone who shares the road.

Driving in Fog

Sometimes foggy conditions are mild and at other times drivers can barely see one car length ahead. No matter how foggy it gets out there, as the vehicle enters foggy conditions, slow down gradually. Be sure that all running lights are turned on and use only low beams. High beam lights reflect off the moisture droplets in fog making visibility worse. If the vehicle has fog lights, then these will help enhance the light from the low beams.

Using pavement markings as a guide is useful, but use the right edge of the road rather than the center line. Increasing following distance allows for safer braking if needed. If the fog becomes so dense that it becomes nerve-racking, pull off the road when it's safe to do so and turn on the hazard lights.

Driving in Rain

The first few drops of rain make the roads very slick. As the amount of rain increases, the tires make less contact with the road. If there is too much water or the speed is a bit high, tires will ride on the top of the water like water skis. This is called hydroplaning and when it happens, controlling a vehicle becomes almost impossible.

Rain cuts down on visibility and keeping a safe stopping distance from vehicles in front is important. Keeping a good distance also helps in reducing the spray from the vehicles that are in front.

Avoid puddles whenever possible because there might be a pothole under the water that can damage the vehicle, flatten a tire or ruin the suspension. Excessive water hitting the engine can cause it to stall and can also make the brakes less effective.

Driving in Snow and Whiteout Conditions

When driving into a snowstorm or whiteout conditions reducing speed slowly is important. Be sure that the headlights are on and as in fog, and avoid passing or changing lanes. Increase the following distance to ensure there is extra space for safe braking.

If visibility decreases quickly and there is a sense of danger, look for an opportunity to pull off the road safely and put on the hazard lights.

Always try to look ahead and anticipate what must be done based on changing conditions. Avoid sudden steering, accelerating or braking as it can cause the vehicle to skid. Skids can involve the front, the rear or all wheels. Should this happen, look in the direction the vehicle is going and turn the wheel in that direction. In other words, steer into the skid. Be sure not to over-steer.

General Driving Tips

• Stopping distance at night and in bad weather should never exceed the distance of the headlights.
• When oncoming glare is too bright, look up and beyond and to the right of the oncoming vehicle.
• Black ice in winter is dangerous. Asphalt in winter should look gray-white in color. If the asphalt is black and shiny, it is probably black ice.
• Avoid braking on ice.

Changing driving habits when there is inclement weather is a good routine to get into. Slowing down and keeping a greater distance can prevent many accidents. After all, it's better to arrive alive than not at all.

Note: This article provides general advice and does not include all safety tips to driving safe in inclement weather.