Driving in Bad Weather: Proceed with Caution
Inclement weather plays far too significant a role in far too many traffic accidents. While you have absolutely no control over the weather, how it affects the road, or how other motorists react to the road's condition, you do have control over your own driving practices and the safety precautions that you take, and proceeding with caution can make all the difference.
Keep up with Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
A well-maintained car is a safer car. By keeping up with your car’s regularly scheduled maintenance, you help ensure that you are well prepared for whatever weather comes your way. Additionally, keep the following safety checklist in mind:
Regularly check your headlights, taillights, blinkers, and hazard lights
Regularly check your tires for tread and air pressure (in addition to regularly scheduled rotations)
Regularly check your windshield wipers and blades
Pay attention to how your brakes perform
Regularly check your car’s horn
Maintain Safe Control of Your Car
When the weather throws high winds, driving rain, ice, or any other adverse force your way, it is time to slow down and to make sure that you are able to maintain safe control over your vehicle. Reducing your speed can help you avoid skidding and hydroplaning, but if the weather hits your vehicle just so, there may be nothing you can do to stop it from going into a spin. In such a situation, the best path forward involves all of the following:
Do not panic and do not slam on the brakes
Methodically ease your foot off the gas pedal
If necessary, apply your brakes slowly and evenly
Ease your steering wheel into the spin (without overcorrecting)
Knowing how to react in such an emergency can save your life.
Watch out for the Other Guy
While you cannot control how other motorists drive, you can pay careful attention and employ your best defensive driving practices. Allow additional space between you and the forward vehicle; reduce your speed to accommodate for weather-related decreased visibility; generally allow other motorists as much space on the road as you possibly can; and if warranted, hit your hazard lights.
Keep a Well-Stocked Emergency Kit in Your Car
Sometimes, the weather or accidents on the road stall your plans, but having a well-stocked emergency kit in tow can help you wait it out more comfortably and safely. Consider stocking your equipment with all of the following:
Bottles of water and non-perishable foods
Warm clothing
Jumper cables
A tool kit
An ice scraper
A heavy-duty flashlight (with a supply of batteries)
A first aid kit