Bad Weather Driving Tips

Fog

• Driving in dense fog is like driving with a blindfold on. Objects such as other vehicles or traffic signals, have a tendency to suddenly appear-sometimes too late to take proper corrective action.
• By far the most important safety measures you can take are: Slow down and turn on your low-beam headlights
• If the fog is very dense, pull over to the side of the road as far as you can. Put on your four-way flashers and stay in your vehicle.

Rain

• When you’re starting from a stopped position, be careful not to accelerate too fast. If you have a FWD vehicle, your front tires will spin. If you have a RWD vehicle, your back-end will fish tail.
• Brake earlier.
• As your speed increases, water between the tires and the road build up until the tire begins to ride on a film of water. This is known as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as little as 25 miles per hour. To prevent hydroplaning, reduce speed when water is standing on the surface of the roadway. Avoid braking or turning too hard.

Snow

• Stopping distances are longer.
• Use headlights and windshield wipers for maximum visibility.
• Drive slower, take extra precautions on turns and leave more space between other vehicles and curbs.

Bad weather driving

Depending on conditions, the safe speed may be considerably less than the posted speed limit.

The best way to stay out of a skid is to

• Avoid driving too fast for conditions

If your vehicle starts to skid, you should

• Turn the front wheels in the direction you want the vehicle to go

The distance to stop a vehicle on a wet, snow or ice covered road is 2-10 times greater over dry pavement.

Correct responses to emergencies can be learned. Practice and remaining calm increases the chance of making the correct decision. Drivers who know what to do in emergency situations are more likely to maintain control.

Stay tuned for additional safe driving tips. Should you have any questions, always feel free to contact us at (702) 212-5667.

Author: Rich Heinrich

Master Instructor, Emeritus