Danger Ahead – Tips for Driving in Bad Weather

Bad weather can make driving a lot more difficult. When road visibility and the control you have over your car are affected, the risk of an accident increases dramatically. Sometimes, staying in and waiting out the storm is your safest option.

However, if you do have to drive, you should be familiar with some precautionary measures that will help decrease your chances of an accident.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are out driving in bad weather:

• Maintain your vehicle. Make sure all of your lights and windshield wipers are functioning properly before you leave the house. Also, be sure to have a good set of tires on your car. Tires that are worn and balding make driving in bad weather extremely dangerous.
• Slow down. Roads become slippery in snow, ice, and rainstorms and there may be patches of ice or puddles that are difficult to see. When you are behind another vehicle, increase your following distance. Also, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going so that you’re not tempted to speed.
• Hydroplaning. If your car feels like the tires have lost traction with the road surface, remove your foot from the accelerator and slow down until the tires grip the road again. Do not jam on the brakes.
• Be prepared. Make sure you have a spare tire and bring a fully charged cell phone in case you get stranded.

It’s important to exercise caution when driving in bad weather. Try to be prepared and extra alert so that you can anticipate accidents before they occur.