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 Safe Driving Tips for Bad Weather
Driving in the Rain
The most important thing to remember when driving in wet conditions is your reaction time and stopping power are not the same as under dry conditions. It can take up to 3 times the distance to stop on wet pavement as opposed to dry pavement. For example, a car going 35 mph which normally comes to a stop at 210 feet on dry pavement may take up to 600 feet to stop on wet pavement. The stopping distance increases exponentially as the car's speed increases. Even when it isn't raining, slightly wet pavement mixed with dust, oil, and grease can be extremely slick. If the pavement is wet the best rule is to slow down.
In the event you start to skid, the general rule of thumb is to steer towards the direction in which you are skidding until you regain traction. However, the braking system varies from vehicle to vehicle. It's a good time to refresh your memory and re-read your car owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended braking technique.
Keeping your vehicle speed down is also the best way to avoid hydroplaning, which is the total loss of traction as the car tires lose contact with the road's surface when traveling over an area of standing water. If you see an area of standing water, slow down. Hitting a puddle or an area of standing water at high speed, in addition to hydroplaning, can cause your car to stall.
When driving in the rain on the larger highways, the center lane is usually the driest lane since the rainwater tends to drain towards the edges.
Visibility of your vehicle and the ability to be seen by other vehicles is also very important to your safety when driving under these conditions. For your own visibility, make sure to use the defroster or the air conditioner to keep your windshield and mirrors clear. A new California law makes it mandatory to turn on your headlights at any time the windshield wipers are in use or when visibility is limited to 1000 ft. As is the case with fog and snow, rain also reflects headlights back to the driver. When driving in the rain, use low beam instead of high-beam setting to avoid dealing with light reflected back towards you. AAA has some extra driving tips at: http://www.csaa.com/global/articledetail/0,1398,1004040000%257C199,00.html
Driving in the Snow
Most of the above mentioned tips for driving in the rain apply to driving in the snow. However, when preparing to drive through the snow it is even more important that you check the condition of your antifreeze, and washer fluid levels and ensure that they are appropriate for cold weather driving. You should also check the treads on your tires and ensure that they are inflated to the right pressure. Your brakes, exhaust system, wipers, heater, and defrost system should also be in good working order.
It is even more important that you maintain a slow steady speed in snow and on icy roads. At 40 mph a car that takes 110 feet to stop on dry pavement can take up to 770 feet to stop on ice. Once again, review your owner's manual for the suggested technique for your car's particular braking system. Inappropriate use of your brakes can lead to loss of control in icy conditions, so be sure you use your brakes cautiously.
When driving in deep snow keep a steady safe speed since you may need to use your car's momentum to keep moving under these conditions. Coming to a complete stop may cause your car to become stuck in the snow.
If you are planning a trip through snowy areas, put together a travel kit that includes a sturdy ice scraper, a de-icer, sand to place under your tires, a flashlight with extra batteries, water, food, hats (most heat is lost through the top of the head), gloves, matches, extra jackets and warm blankets. You should also let someone know your driving route and estimated time of arrival. Consider calling a friend or relative when you do arrive. Advanced preparation can help avoid disaster in the event you become stranded. Additional tips on driving in the snow can be found at: www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/wntrdriv.htm
Driving in Fog
The San Joaquin Valley is notorious for fog, which can make driving nearly impossible. If you must drive through the fog, keep in mind these safety tips:
- Decrease speed and increase following distance to maximize reaction time for sudden stops.
- Avoid crossing traffic unless absolutely necessary since the other drivers' visibility may be worse.
- Maintain optimum visibility by using low-beam headlights instead of high-beam headlights. The high reflectivity of fog will actually impair visibility if headlights are at a high-beam setting.
- Stay on the right side of the road to decrease the possibility of collisions with oncoming traffic. Also, drive with patience and resist the urge to pass slower traffic.
- Reduce all audio distractions while driving in the fog. If your visibility is minimal you may be able listen for oncoming traffic to avoid a collision.
- If visibility drops and you feel driving is too hazardous, pull off to the side of the road, turn off all your lights, and move as far away from the car as possible.
Find more safe driving tips at: http://www.nada.org/NADAGuides/Safe_Driving_Tips.htm
We hope these guidelines will help you and your family to have a safe and
Happy New Year!
David Cohn, managing partner
GROUP LAW SERVICE
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