It’s snowing outside, and you have an important meeting to get to. You need to drive in order to get there on time, but it’s also freezing cold and you don’t want to risk getting stuck in the snow or having your car break down on the way. What do you do? Before you start your car and drive off into the unknown, take a look at this guide on driving in bad weather so that you can make it to your meeting without incident!
What To Pack
When packing for a road trip in bad weather, be sure to pack snacks and drinks, an extra phone charger, a first-aid kit, a map, and some cash. Also, make sure your gas tank is full before you leave. If you do run out of gas while driving in the snow, it’s important not to panic.
The most important thing is not to abandon the car but instead try and safely pull over as far off the side of the road as possible without putting yourself or other drivers at risk. If you’re able to get back on the highway after refueling, drive slowly with your headlights on so that other drivers can see you better!
Keep An Eye On The Road
It’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times when driving in bad weather. This means no texting, no fiddling with the radio, and no rubbernecking. You need to be focused on the task at hand: getting to your destination safely.
- Drive Slow: Driving slow is better than driving fast because it gives you more time to react if something goes wrong.
- Don’t Stop Too Quickly: If you do have to stop quickly, make sure that you don’t brake too hard or too quickly as this can cause a skid. Try easing off the gas instead so that your car starts slowing down before coming to a stop.
Know Your Vehicle
First and foremost, it’s important to know your vehicle. This means understanding how it handles in different weather conditions and being aware of its blind spots. If you don’t feel confident driving in bad weather, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
When there is heavy snowfall or ice on the roads, it’s also a good idea to drive slower than usual and be mindful of other drivers. Some other tips include always having an emergency kit with supplies such as food, water, and first-aid items in your car at all times.
Anticipate Crashes
Every winter, there are an average of 5,748 car crashes in Canada. Here are some tips to help you avoid being one of them.
- Pay attention: Keep your eyes on the road ahead, not on your phone or GPS.
- Watch out for puddles: Slowing down is the best way to deal with a puddle that looks deep enough to soak your tires and the undercarriage of your vehicle.
- Slow down: When you start seeing snow or rain on the ground, slow down because slippery roads may be just around the corner.
- Use hand signals: You need these signals for a reason!
Wear the Right Clothes
When you’re getting ready to head out in bad weather, make sure you’re wearing the right clothes. That means layers that you can easily take on and off as the temperature changes, comfortable shoes that won’t slip, and bright colors or reflective gear so you’re visible to other drivers.
Avoid Extra Items in the Front Seat
It’s important to avoid having extra items in the front seat when driving in bad weather. These items can include loose change, sunglasses, or even a GPS device. If you must have these items with you, make sure they’re securely fastened so they don’t become projectiles in the event of an accident.
Use Your Low Beams in Fog
It’s important to be able to see and be seen when driving in foggy weather. Use your low beams, and if you have fog lights, use those too. You should also avoid using your high beams, as they will reflect off the fog and make it harder to see. Drive slowly, and be extra cautious of other vehicles and pedestrians.
Check Tire Pressure Before Leaving
When preparing to drive in bad weather, the first thing you should do is check your tire pressure. This is important because it can help you maintain better control of your car on slippery roads. It can also help you avoid getting stranded if you happen to get a flat tire.
Listen to Radio or Music
It can be tempting to want to listen to music or the radio while driving in bad weather, but it’s important to stay focused on the road. If you must listen to something, choose something that won’t distract you from the task at
Know When To Pull Over
It can be tempting to blast the radio or music when driving in bad weather, but this can actually be distracting. Instead, opt for calm music or talk radio to help keep you focused on the road.
Driving In Rain
It is important to be extra cautious when driving in the rain. Make sure to turn your headlights on and keep your windshield wipers on at all times. Slow down and be aware of other drivers around you. Avoid puddles, as they can cause hydroplaning. And finally, don’t forget to give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.
Driving In Fog
When driving in fog, it’s important to take extra care. Slow down and use your low-beam headlights. If visibility is really bad, pull off the road until the fog clears. And be sure to give yourself plenty of following distance between you and the car ahead of you.
Driving In SnowFall
Winter weather can be beautiful, but it can also be treacherous. If you have to drive in snowfall, here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, make sure your car is prepared for the cold weather. This means having enough windshield wiper fluid and making sure your tires are properly inflated.
Second, take it slow. It can be tempting to floor it and get where you’re going as quickly as possible, but that’s a recipe for disaster.
Conclusion
Although it may be tempting to stay home when the weather is bad, there are still many people who need to get out on the roads. If you must drive in bad weather, there are some things you can do to make the experience safer. First, make sure your car is in good working order. This means checking the tires, brakes, lights, and wipers. Second, take your time. Don’t try to speed through bad weather conditions. And finally, be extra careful around other vehicles and pedestrians.