Tips for Driving Safely in Bad Weather

Tips for Driving Safely in Bad Weather

Driving in bad weather can be stressful and dangerous, whether you’re facing heavy rain, thick fog, icy roads, or strong winds. Preparation and caution are key to staying safe. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate challenging conditions with confidence.

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1. Prepare Before You Drive

Before hitting the road in adverse weather, ensure your vehicle is ready:

• Check your tyres: Ensure they have adequate tread depth (at least 3mm for wet or icy conditions) and are properly inflated.
• Test your lights and wipers: Fully functional headlights, tail lights, and windscreen wipers are crucial for visibility.
• Stock your car with essentials: Keep a torch, blanket, de-icer, scraper, high-visibility jacket, and a fully charged phone. In extreme conditions, consider carrying food, water, and a first-aid kit.

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2. Adjust Your Driving Style

When the weather turns bad, modify your driving to match the conditions:

• Slow down: Reduced speed helps maintain control and gives you more time to react.
• Increase following distance: Keep at least double the usual distance from the car in front, as stopping distances can be significantly longer on wet or icy roads.
• Avoid sudden movements: Accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly to reduce the risk of skidding.

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3. Be Cautious in Specific Conditions

Heavy Rain

• Use dipped headlights to ensure you are visible to others.
• Beware of aquaplaning: If you lose grip, ease off the accelerator and steer gently. Avoid braking until traction is regained.
• Stay out of deep water: Driving through flooded roads can damage your car. If unavoidable, drive slowly in first gear, keeping the revs high to prevent water from entering the exhaust.

Fog

• Use fog lights when visibility is less than 100 meters but switch them off when conditions improve to avoid dazzling others.
• Reduce speed and don’t tailgate: Visibility can be deceptive in fog.

Ice and Snow

• Start slowly: Pull away gently in second gear to reduce wheel spin.
• Steer into skids: If you start to slide, steer in the direction of the skid while avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.
• Avoid hills if possible: They can be tricky to navigate when icy.

Strong Winds

• Keep both hands on the wheel: Sudden gusts can destabilize your vehicle.
• Be wary of high-sided vehicles: They are particularly vulnerable to being pushed by the wind and may drift into your lane.

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4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

• Look ahead for hazards: Puddles, black ice, and debris can appear suddenly.
• Stay alert to other drivers: Not everyone adjusts their driving in bad weather, so anticipate unpredictable behavior.
• Use main roads where possible: They are more likely to be gritted or cleared in icy or snowy conditions.

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5. Know When to Stay Off the Road

Sometimes, the safest option is not to drive at all. If conditions are particularly hazardous, delay your journey or seek alternative transportation.

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6. Use Technology to Stay Informed

• Check the weather forecast before setting off.
• Use navigation apps for real-time updates on traffic and road closures.
• Listen to local radio stations for alerts and advice.

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Driving in bad weather requires preparation, patience, and awareness. By following these tips, you can minimise risks and ensure a safer journey. Remember, no destination is worth jeopardising your safety—if conditions seem too dangerous, it’s always better to wait until they improve.

Stay safe out there!