In your experience, how can you best drive safely in difficult weather conditions?

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Most answers given above are specific to certain specific weather conditions.

The question is general so the answer must be drive in accordance to the prevailing conditions which would include in most situations slowing down, in some conditions putting on lights, some putting on the wipers, in others stopping and stay off the road but also adjusting the sunvisor!! may be required.

Not all weather conditions require all or any of these and it will also depend on the experience of the driver, the vehicle and the type and condition of the road.

Answer 3

I will tell you how to drive a car safely in difficult weather conditions.
1. Turn ON your ABS in your car
2. Turn your Traction Control
3. Drive with headlights and Fog lamps fully lit.
4. Use High beam wisely.
5. Don't leave the steering loose.
6. If your car drifts out of control, hold the steering straight, hit the brakes and pull the hand brakes so as to quickly bring the car under control.
7. If the weather is too bad while you are on the drive, better to pull over and wait for the weather to come to normal.
8. Remember RULE 7 is the best among all the other rules.

Answer 4

Make sure all of you lights operate. Have wipers that are in good condition. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition (including your spare). Your windows and mirrors should be clean (or clean enough), not dusty. Make sure the interior windows are clean. This reduces glare in rain during night hours.

Signal all turns and lane changes. Maintain a safe speed (the limit). Maintain safe distance from cars in front. Allow for more stopping distance between you and the car ahead. If you have a tailgater, try to change lanes so you can avoid the knucklehead.

Have directions to your destination prepared before you set out. If you need notes, write in block letters so you can quickly glance at the directions without creating a dangerous situation on the road.

Keep your cell phone charged and use a hands free headset at all times. Use the phone only when necessary. Program the speed dial with the number of your destination in the event you need more specific directions as you approach your destination.

In most states, all children must wear seatbelts. Wear yours too. Be aware of your surroundings and if the rain comes down too hard for you to see or the snow gets heavier, turn on your hazard lights to give other drivers a better chance of seeing you. This goes the same for fog.

That's all I could brainstorm for now but you get the idea.

Happy and safe driving.

Answer 5

Lights are required by law, but driving at or below (as apposed to above) the speed limit is the most efficient method to improve safety.

Check your tires (pressure and wear). They are the MOST important part of the vehicle - they are your contact with the road. You should not drive, especially in inclement conditions, without strong tires.

One must also be prepared.
You should have the advanced skills to recover from a skid almost instantly and understand proper techniques for braking. Knowing the basic physics and mechanics of what goes on in these situations is helpful.

Since tires lose some traction in fresh rain, heavy rain, and snow/ice conditions, they will not be able to apply the same amount of force to the road before they slip - this includes both turning and braking. Therefore, a slower speed should be used on turns and a greater distance is inherently required to stop.

If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable while driving in inclement weather situations, simply pull over to the side of the road. There is no penalty for this and it can often be the wisest decision in certain scenarios.

Pressing a gas pedal and steering is easy; truly driving is not.
You need to be alert, have the necessary skills in case of an emergency, and practice intelligent driving habits.
If one follows this, he is likely to have a safe, enjoyable ride.

Answer 6

I do hope that you are not asking this question in your capacity as an AA advisor - I would be very worried!

The best way to cope with driving safely in difficult weather conditions is to leave your car at home or not make the journey unless it is absolutely essential. If you do have to travel, keep your distance from the vehicle in front; this means, a minimum 2 second gap when dry, or 4 seconds when wet and 10 times this amount in snow and ice, keeping dipped headlights on.

Answer 7

As a truck driver for 17 years the biggest problem I see is people do not slow down and they follow way to close.
they also over drive there abilities.

in adverse weather I slow down
greatly increase my following distance
keep my head lights on along with road lights
if it is a visibility issue I activate my 4way flashers.
and if at any point I feel that the conditions warrnt I park the beast till the weather improves.
For my first 15 years I had a dedicated run starting in Miami,Fl. to Houston,Tx. then to Barrow Alaska (The North Slope Above the Arctic Circle) adverse weather is an every day occurance up there.
People just need to SLOW DOWN this includes truck drivers

Answer 8

SLOW DOWN !! Lights on, spacing correct according to speed... and if it's truly hairy, PULL OFF into a rest-stop !!

I used to have to drive the San Joaquin Valley in winter (fog with 20-30 foot visibility) the truckers and I would be chugging along at 10-15 mph, and we'd watch others zipping past at 40, 50, 60, even 70 mph !!

Twice I saw those drivers about 20 minutes later, after they missed a turn or drove straight into the back of a semi-trailer.

Amazing how stupid some people are.

Answer 9

when the roads are safe for driving , always plan ahead,try to leave for work earlier than you used to , in that way you are not in a rush . don't drive with the speed that's recommended for normal weather conditions esp when it is really slippery . and focus on the road ONLY ..no other distractions .
If it's really not necessary to go out on this kind of weather , then just stay at home

Answer 10

In my experience, I found that if I go slow enough, there is no weather, I can't drive through. Believe me, I have experience having to drive a city bus, during Dakota snowstorms! That mother****er will slip and slide, but there was nobody else on the road, so it didn't matter. As long as I didn't try to stop on a steep hill, no problem. Of course I made a deal with God, to be good if I got to the end of my shift without hitting anything.

Answer 11

Understand the tyres you have on your car and at what speed they are likely to aquaplane. Practise skdding deliberately in private so you are used to handling a skid situation. Know what to do if your car aquaplanes i.e. no sudden steering and ease of the gas... know what an aquaplane feels and sounds like. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and drive with your lights on so others can see you and not pull out on you. Keep your car balanced i.e. no massive heavy objects in the back or to one side. Make sure your brakes are good and practise using the ABS or if you don't have ABS know how to stop quickly wihtout sliding too much eg cadence braking.