5 tips for driving in bad weather

Whether you’re a new driver or you’ve had your license for years, some conditions tend to make being behind the wheel a little more intimidating. Large storms, for instance, often bring powerful winds and slippery roads that can inhibit one’s ability to control a vehicle safely. In fact, about twenty-one percent of vehicular accidents each year occur in dangerous weather. We want all drivers to stay safe through any weather event, so we’ve come up with a few tips that apply to managing cars in rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Read on to better prepare yourself to drive when the weather is less than ideal. 

1. Slow down

Bad weather driving is a challenge many do their best to avoid. Under some circumstances, though, there’s no choice but to grit your teeth and bear volatile winds or piles of snow. This first piece of advice is well worth considering, even if you love living life in the fast lane. Though dangerous even in the most pleasant conditions, wet roads make speeding even more unsafe. Driving too quickly increases the risks of hydroplaning, the phenomenon in which a person’s tires lose contact with a damp road. Observe the rate at which other drivers move, and don’t go overly fast. Even if you have an important destination ahead of you, rushing is not worth the risks of driving in heavy snow or rain. 

2. Don’t use cruise control

Cruise control, a feature most modern cars have, allows drivers to select a steady pace and remove their foot from the accelerator. While relinquishing control might sometimes be convenient, doing so in bad weather is an ill-advised choice. This tip also applies to other auto-driving tools your vehicle may have, and all auto-pilot capabilities should be turned off in hazardous weather. Because you can’t control wind and rain outside, it's best to take advantage of the thing you can possess total control of: your car. 

3. Avoid using your brakes

When roads are wet or icy, sudden braking can have dire consequences. Braking hard on short notice can cause your vehicle to skid, potentially causing accidents, so ignoring this rule of thumb is extremely dangerous. Because braking fast is discouraged, you should also do your best to keep a wide distance between yourself and other drivers. This way, when braking is necessary, you’ll have room to take your time. 

4. Remain attentive

If your driving style relies on nonchalance, bad weather will require you to defy this inclination. Keeping a cool head under stress is an asset, but it’s also necessary to stay vigilant when conditions are extreme. Stay alert, and don’t allow yourself to drive absentmindedly. Paying extra close attention to your surroundings might prove to be a lifesaving measure. 

5. Don’t underestimate depth

When rainstorms are severe enough, flooding can pose a significant challenge. Built-up water might appear easier to navigate than it actually is, but it’s better to stay safe than end up sorry. If you see a lot of water collecting in one place, don’t assume your car can safely make it to the other side. Water, especially moving water, can carry cars away and even result in drowning deaths. If you see signs of flooding, the best thing to do is turn around. Barricades will often surround deep water, and these will be a signal to avoid the area.  

Know when to stay inside 

We’ve all gotten trapped in a minor storm of some kind,  but there are some conditions in which driving should not be done at all. Massive storms such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards are generally too dangerous for any driving, and we strongly recommend remaining indoors until things have calmed down. 

Find your next vehicle at Transwest

Though the glitz and glam of new cars is alluring, safety takes priority above all else. At Transwest, we sell vehicles that are sturdy and reliable, so you and your family can feel safe no matter the weather. Visit one of our locations today, and speak with an expert about which car best matches your needs. Of course, if the weather is too bad for driving, you can start by browsing our online selection.