How to Drive Defensively in certain Weather Climates
By: Taylor Vranicar
Driving in a snowstorm can be very nerve racking! Here are some tips on how to stay safe!
Driving in the Fog
- Slow down! Fog reduces your ability to see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and buildings and signs on the road. You must be prepared to react quickly.
- Maintain a good stopping distance
- Use low beam lights, high beam reflects back to the driver.
- Avoid sudden stops and turns and remember that the driver behind you cannot see either.
- Use the right edge of the road as a guide, this can help avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded by oncoming headlights.
Driving in the Rain
- Turn on headlights; this will make it easier to see what is going on in front of you.
- Keep a minimum of a good five car length between cars.
- Drive at or below the speed limit.
- Be aware of hydroplaning, this is when the vehicle travels on top of the water and has no or very little contact with the ground!
- Be aware that brakes can be affected by water.
Driving on Icy Roads
- Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop.
- Brake gently to avoid skidding.
- Turn on headlights to increase visibility to other drivers.
- Use low gear to keep traction.
