Safe Driving Tips for Inclement Weather

May 21, 2015 @ 6:15 pm

Louisiana offers convenient access to multiple sporting venues and numerous entertainment activities. However, when weather turns bad, the roads can become very dangerous. Speeding, reckless driving, texting while driving and poor visibility are common things that cause car accidents, and the results can be devastating. To prevent these occurrences, it is important to learn how to drive safely in inclement weather.

Turn on Headlights

As a rainstorm approaches, the skies tend to turn dark. To compensate for the loss of light, it is important to turn on your car’s headlamps. This helps you see better and allows other motorists to spot your car as well. It is wise to avoid your high beams. These may blind other drivers or cause you distraction as the extra light bounces off the rain.

Slow Down and Apply the Brakes

The most important thing to do when inclement weather strikes is to reduce your car’s speed. It is smart to apply your brakes earlier and with less pressure than when under normal conditions. This provides more time to react to unexpected circumstances. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least three seconds of distance between your car and the vehicle you are following.

Dealing with Puddles

Since it is impossible to judge the depth of the water on the road, it is wise to avoid large puddles. Driving through them may uncover massive potholes that cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you must drive through a puddle, gently apply the brakes afterwards so that your rotors dry. Since the side of the road is a common place for deep puddles to accumulate, you are advised to drive close to the middle line during a rainstorm.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a car travels over water and has limited or no contact with the road. As this happens, your car loses significant traction. The best way to deal with hydroplaning is to remain calm, remove your foot from the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want to go.

Avoid Road Spray

It is common for tires on large trucks or SUVs to spray water from the road onto other cars. To avoid this, it is smart to stay away from these vehicles so that you maintain adequate visibility. Passing these vehicles should be done with great care.

Unfog the Windshield

Sometimes, rain causes a car’s windshield to fog. To keep your road view clear, it is advised to use your defroster with the air conditioning turned on.

Pull Over

If the rain is pouring from the sky, and you cannot see anything, it is best to find a safe place to pull over and wait for the storm to pass. While on the side of the road, your hazard lights should be flashing so that passing vehicles can avoid you.
The above tips should help you drive safely through inclement weather. However, if an accident occurs, it is wise to consult with a top auto accident attorney. Contact the lawyers at Morrow, Morrow, Ryan & Bassett. They have proudly served innocent car accident victims in Louisiana for over 40 years.