10 tips for driving in adverse weather conditions
Driving in adverse weather conditions can be challenging and even dangerous, but with the appropriate preparation and skills, you can stay safe on the road. The following are a few precautions you can take to help you drive safely in bad weather:
1. Make sure your vehicle is equipped for the weather
This includes having fully inflated tyres with adequate tread, functioning windscreen wipers and that all of your vehicles lights are working. You should carry out checks frequently on your vehicle to ensure everything is in good working condition.
2. Check the weather forecast and plan ahead
Before you set out on your journey, make sure you know what kind of weather conditions you will be driving in. If the weather is particularly severe, consider postponing your trip or if this is not possible, consider taking public transport instead.
3. Drive slower
Bad weather conditions will reduce your visibility and increase the risk of skidding and slipping. By slowing down, you will give yourself more time to react to any potential hazards that arise.
4. Keep your distance when following other vehicles
Especially in wet or slippery conditions, it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a stop. Due to this, you should leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. The Highway Code states that you should “allow at least a two-second gap” between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. In adverse weather, you should aim to double the distance that you leave between you and the car in front.
5. Use your headlights
In heavy rain, visibility is reduced, and as such it is incredibly important to use your headlights to make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers. However, you should be aware that using your high-beams may dazzle oncoming drivers. A new study by the RAC has shown that motorists are being blinded by the lights of other cars more often, with 89% saying that they think some or most car headlights on the UK roads are too bright.
Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: “There are a number of factors that contribute to whether a headlight dazzles another driver or not, the most important being the angle of the headlights as you look at them. If they’re not angled properly – or the driver in the oncoming car has forgotten to dip their headlights – there’s every chance you’re going to get blinded.”
Being a courteous driver is part of being a good driver, and as such you should take every precaution to avoid dazzling other drivers, while also being able to see the road ahead of you sufficiently.
6. Avoid sudden movements
Sudden movements, such as sudden acceleration or braking can cause your vehicle to lose traction in poor weather conditions. To avoid this, make gradual, smooth movements when braking and accelerating. This will help you to maintain stability on the road.
7. Avoid changing lane suddenly
In driving conditions with poor visibility, such as fog and heavy rain, it can be more difficult to see other vehicles. If you need to change lanes, make sure you signal beforehand and make sure it is safe to perform any maneuvers before doing so to avoid any potential collisions.
8. Be aware of black ice
Black ice is a type of ice that forms on roads and can be difficult to see. To avoid skidding or sliding on black ice, slow down and be extra cautious on bridges and when driving in shady areas. Black ice is especially prevalent during the early morning hours, especially following rain and when temperatures drop below freezing overnight.
9. Know when you need to pull over
If the weather is particularly severe and you feel unsafe driving, it is better for you to pull over and wait until conditions improve.
10. Utilise telematics
Telematics can be very beneficial and play a vital role in helping drivers navigate through adverse weather conditions. The following are a few ways that telematics can help:
- They offer you real-time weather and route updates, helping drivers to plan their route and avoid areas that are affected by severe weather.
- They can provide speed alerts, reminding drivers to slow down in bad weather conditions to help avoid accidents.
- Vehicle diagnostics can help to monitor a drivers vehicles and alert you to any vehicle issues, such as low tyre pressure or malfunctioning windscreen wipers.
- Driver behaviour analysis can help to pick up on aggressive driving or excessive speed and provide feedback to help drivers improve their driving skills.
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