When it comes to inclement weather, driving can require adaptation and extra caution to keep you and your family safe. We all have bad driving habits, whether you’re a speed demon or you follow too close to the vehicle ahead of you; but when dealing with extreme weather conditions those habits can turn deadly in seconds. Today we are going to talk about the 10 most common things that we see on the roads that can be catastrophic when Mother Nature is throwing a fit.
1. Speeding
Come on now, is that office meeting so important that you’re willing to die for it? It is something that can and has happened before. Reducing your speed allows for better control and reaction time which will minimize the risk of an accident in your future. Even a decrease of 10 mph can double the distance you have to stop in an emergency and costs you very little time.
2. Following Too Closely
On the same premise as above, giving yourself more space between you and the car ahead of you will give you more time and distance to stop if an emergency occurs. The rule of thumb is one car length between you and the car in front of you. Being from Houston I know how difficult this is to do. It seems that every time I follow this rule, another car darts into that void so that it can be one more car length ahead. At least do the best you can, every inch counts.
3. Neglecting Visibility
This is one of my bad habits, ensuring that your wiper blades are replaced regularly will ensure that when you need them, they work to clear your view. I am so bad with this that I set an alarm on my phone to remind me. To ensure visibility in rain, sleet, or snow replace your wipers with every other oil change, check that all your lights are in working order before you leave, and defrost those windows!
4. Overestimating Traction
Rain, ice, and snow all reduce traction. Living up near Chicago for a while taught me all about how to drive and what to do when your car loses traction. Be mindful of road conditions, consider using winter tires if you’re in an area where it snows, and if your car ever starts to slide, DON’T PANIC! If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive (RWD) then think about adding some weight to your truck in the winter. I learned the hard way, but RWD vehicles float and swing easily with a loss of traction. The added weight helps to keep those tires on the road.
5. Ignoring Weather Alerts
Staying informed about weather forecasts and road conditions will help you plan for alternative routes if needed, or maybe a delay in your departure could be beneficial. It is better to be a little late for work than to never show up at all. I like to check my weather app when I am waiting for my car to warm up/cool down in the mornings. It takes 1 minute and lets me prepare myself for the long commute ahead of me.
6. Allowing the Gas Tank to Run Low
Another lesson I learned while living up north is that keeping your gas tank full can be a lifesaver. When you’re stuck in a snowbank in the middle of nowhere, you can keep warm if your car is still running. In extreme cold, a fuller tank can also prevent your fuel lines from freezing. Here in Houston, it just keeps me from running out of gas when there is a wreck on I-45 again. The rule of thumb is to keep your gas tank at least half full if possible.
7. Using Cruise Control in Slippery Conditions
This one I didn’t even think about before but then I started working in the auto industry and it is one of those things you just pick up from working with mechanics. Avoid using cruise control on icy or wet roads. Cruise control can hinder your response time for acceleration and deceleration when issues arise.
8. Overestimating Vehicle Capability
Just because you’re driving a four-wheel drive truck doesn’t mean that you are invincible on the road. It is always important to fully understand your vehicle’s capabilities, but you should drive cautiously regardless. Most accidents are due to the drivers around you, not your own, and while four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles can have improved traction, the vehicles around you do not.
9. Neglecting Brake System Maintenance
I polled all our mechanics and asked what the most important thing to maintain for safety on the road was. It was a resounding, BRAKES! Brakes are crucial to staying safe on the roadways. You should regularly check your brake pads, rotors, and fluid to ensure good condition. It is one item on your car that most overlook until there is a problem and when there is a problem, it can be horrible. I wrote an entire article about brakes called The Braking Point in September. If you liked this one, give it a read.
10. Panic Braking
If you start skidding, avoid panic braking. Trying to slam on your brakes will only cause them to stick. It is best to gently apply steady pressure to the brake pedal and steer in the direction you want to go. This can help you regain control of your vehicle. If you are driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle and while you are driving you feel your rear end starting to float, let off the gas. Your car will usually straighten out, then just ease back onto the gas pedal.
Driving in extreme weather can demand a heightened sense of responsibility from you but by avoiding these common mistakes and adopting safer practices, you can protect yourself and others on the road. Remember, it's better to arrive at your destination safely than to rush and risk your well-being. Stay informed, be prepared, and exercise caution for a safer driving experience in challenging conditions.
Until Next time…
Stay Safe Everyone!
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