Tips for staying safe while driving in adverse weather conditions

Updated on Jul 28, 2023

Driving safety is essential on any road trip, regardless of the weather. However, we must be especially careful and attentive when weather conditions are not entirely favorable for driving. During the winter months, for example, snow , rain, fog, or ice on the road can be common, depending on your location. These weather phenomena can be a real pain, as the asphalt becomes more slippery and visual quality can be affected . It's important to keep in mind some tips to stay safe when driving on the road in adverse weather conditions. Let's review some of the most useful ones:

Keep your vehicle in optimal condition

Performing regular maintenance on your car is vital, especially when you have to deal with adverse weather conditions. Make sure your brakes, tires, lights, and windshield wipers are in good working order . A well-maintained vehicle will increase your safety and ability to respond appropriately to any unforeseen situation.

Plan your trip in advance

Before embarking on any trip, check the weather conditions expected along your route . If adverse conditions are forecast, consider whether your trip can be postponed or if there is a safer route. Planning ahead will allow you to make better decisions and reduce the likelihood of encountering dangerous situations. There are several apps and websites today that inform you about road conditions or if they are closed due to snow or ice.

Reduce speed and increase distance from other vehicles

Driving in adverse weather conditions requires slower and more cautious driving. If the road is slippery or visibility is poor, you should reduce your speed and increase your distance from the vehicle in front of you . This will give you more time to react and avoid accidents due to adverse weather conditions.

Keep your hands on the wheel and avoid distractions

One of the most important things to know when driving in adverse weather conditions is to hold the steering wheel in the "10 and 2" or "9 and 3" position to have greater control over the vehicle. You should also avoid distractions such as using your cell phone , changing radio stations or songs on the car screen, smoking, or eating while driving. Being mindful will allow you to react quickly to any emergency situation.

Pay attention to warning signs

Warning signs , such as those warning of icy patches, dangerous curves, or animal crossings, are especially important when driving in adverse weather conditions. These signs are very useful because they alert you to potential road hazards and allow you to adjust your driving accordingly.

Make sure you know how to control the skid

Skidding is a common occurrence in rainy or snowy conditions. If your vehicle begins to skid, the best option is to remain calm , as nervousness can lead you to make a sudden movement that increases the risk of going off the road. What you should do is ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go . Avoid braking sharply, as this could worsen the skid.

Rest if you consider it necessary

Driving in adverse weather conditions can be exhausting. Snow or rain can be extremely tiring on your eyes, so it's normal to need a break. If you're tired or feel your concentration waning, find a safe place to rest before continuing. You can stop at a rest stop to clear your head and have a drink, or if you've been driving for many hours, you might prefer to spend the night in a hotel before starting your journey again. Fatigue negatively affects your ability to react and increases the risk of accidents .

Use the right lights

When visibility is reduced due to heavy rain, snow, or fog, turn on your fog lights or flashing lights to make your vehicle visible to other drivers from a distance. However, avoid using high beams in foggy conditions, as they can reflect off water particles and further reduce visibility. Another option to make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle is to use emergency beacons such as the Help Flash IoT . This v16 beacon is the first approved beacon with geolocation, so in addition to its light signal, it also includes NB-IoT technology, which will allow other drivers to know your location, thus improving your safety . This type of beacon minimizes the risk of both impact and run over due to poor visibility. Furthermore, this beacon will be mandatory starting in 2026 in all vehicles. As you've seen, there are several tips you should follow if you're driving in adverse weather conditions. The good news is that all of these tips are easy to follow and can save many lives . Keep in mind that you must keep your car in good condition, pay attention to the road and any signs that may be helpful, remain calm at all times, and make your location known to other drivers using your car's lights or emergency beacons. Take a break when you need it and remember: no matter how long it takes, the important thing is getting there .