Driving in bad weather can be challenging, particularly for those of us who are new to the road. However, with the right measures in place, you can stay safe.
Here are some essential tips for young drivers when driving in adverse weather conditions:
Slow down
Reduce your speed and take extra care to account for the lack of visibility and slippery roads.
Increase your following distance
Braking distances can double in wet weather. Leaving more space between you and the vehicle in front gives you extra time to react. Keeping your distance from other road users also helps to reduce how much spray your wipers have to deal with.
Use headlights wisely
Turn on your headlights at the first sign of rain, fog, or snow to increase visibility, but don’t use high beams in fog. Make sure you keep your lights clean and your battery fully charged as you’ll need both to combat poor weather conditions.
Driving in heavy rain and flooding…
Check tyre tread
Switch to winter tyres as soft tyres are better equipped for soggy road surfaces. You should also make sure your tyre treads are above the legal limit (1.6mm) to improve traction. For safety’s sake, it’s wise to change your tyres well before they reach the limit.
Avoid puddles
Steer clear of large puddles that can hide potholes, dropped utility covers, and cause hydroplaning. If it’s unclear how deep the water is, don’t drive through it – you could flood your engine!
Look after your windshield wipers
Make sure your wipers are in good condition for clear visibility. Clean them regularly and replace your wiper blades if they show signs of wear.
Driving in snow and ice…
Know your brakes
It helps to understand your car’s braking system. If you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm, steady pressure. For regular brakes, pump them gently if you feel the car starting to skid. Accelerating, braking, steering, and changing gear should all be done as smoothly as possible to avert the risk of a skid.
Keep your tank full
Filling up your tank and keeping it full can help to stop your fuel lines freezing. A full tank limits the amount of condensing water vapour.
Prepare for skids
Even experienced drivers can be caught out by loss of grip on the roads. Whatever you do, avoid slamming on the brakes. If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Driving in fog…
Use your fog lights
If your car has fog lights, use them to improve visibility. If not, low beam is best.
Stay in your lane
Use the lines on the road to guide you and avoid making any sudden movements.
Be prepared in case you’re caught out on the road…
Make an emergency kit
Keep an emergency kit in your car, including:
- Blankets
- A torch
- A warning triangle
- First-aid supplies
- Battery pack for your smartphone
- Your breakdown company’s contact information
- Spare screen wash
- Long-dated snacks.
Research your route
Check weather and road conditions for your journey before you leave. Use way-finding apps such as Google Maps or Waze to help adjust your route if necessary.
Stay calm
If conditions are too dangerous to drive in, don’t risk it. Instead, try and find a safe place to pull over until the weather improves.
When the bad weather passes…
Inspect your vehicle
After a storm, check your car for any damage or issues before driving again. Checks should include:
- tyres
- wheels
- windscreen
- bodywork
- chassis
Watch out for black ice
Not only is black ice slippery, it’s also almost impossible to spot. Be particularly cautious if you’re driving early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures drop.
Remember, it’s better to arrive late than to risk your safety. Whether it's heavy rain, strong winds, snow, or all the above, drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore Marmalade cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.
