5 Tips For Driving In Bad Weather

Driving in bad weather can be one of the most dangerous situations you can experience as a motorist. It may be impossible to reach your destination safely unless you are fully prepared for the challenging road conditions. These five tips can help you stay safe on your journey and avoid the need for towing services.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Proper tire inflation is the first step to vehicle readiness — it can ensure your tires respond to braking as effectively as possible. In wintry conditions, invest in snow tires or make sure your all-season tires have adequate tread. See that your windshield wipers are in proper working order, and replace the blades if the rubber is worn or cracked. Check all fluid levels — specifically the antifreeze, windshield wiper solution and oil — to ensure the vehicle is ready to battle cold and precipitation.

Drive Below the Speed Limit

The posted speed limit is designed for ideal driving conditions. When rain, snow and/or ice threaten your safety, always reduce speed and increase the distance between your vehicle and others on the road. You will need to travel at a slower speed and with extra space in order to stop in time to avoid accidents.

Use a steady, gradual increase and decrease in speed at all times, especially when turning and maneuvering near other drivers, and do not brake quickly.

Use Caution on Bridges and Hills

Bridges are usually more affected by ice and rain. Lower your speed, even more, when approaching bridges, and keep a consistent pace until you reach the other side. Take the same approach with hills, using inertia and just enough acceleration to reach the peak. Do not apply the gas when coming down a snow-covered hill, and never brake sharply, or else the vehicle could spin out of control.

Follow Warnings and Driving Restrictions

If the local authorities put a driving ban into effect, do not venture out onto the roadways. You not only will be in violation of the law, you will be in the way of emergency vehicles and plows. Don’t depend only on the local governing body either — pay attention to weather alerts, especially before you embark on a long road trip, and delay your journey in bad weather unless it is absolutely necessary.

Stay in Your Vehicle

If you are involved in a traffic incident or your car breaks down while driving in bad weather, make sure you have a reliable, local towing company’s information on hand. Pullover onto the shoulder as far as possible and turn on your hazard lights to alert other vehicles to your location. Call for towing services and wait inside the vehicle. 

You can trust Stauffer’s Towing for a reliable response when you have been driving in bad weather and need assistance — call us for help any time of day or night.