Safety Tips for Driving in Extreme Weather Conditions

When it comes to driving, there is always a risk. In fact, more than 5.8 million vehicle crashes occur each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Among those car accidents, 21% were from weather hazard-related incidents. 

Whether you are in a car accident in extreme weather or otherwise, your emotional, physical, and financial well-being can take a toll. Luckily, a Nashville car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you recover compensation for any damages or loss of quality of life that you experienced.

To prevent the dangerous impacts of a car accident in hazardous weather, here are some safe driving tips for preparing and driving in extreme weather conditions. 

Preparing Your Car for Extreme Weather

Weather-related car accidents kill an average of 5,376 people annually, meanwhile, large-scale weather disasters kill an average of 379 people per year. That’s why, it’s important to get regular maintenance checks on your vehicle to prevent disaster on the road.

Here are some general maintenance checks to perform before driving:

• Inspect and replace worn tires: Tires acquire natural wear and tear. But when driving in dangerous conditions, proper tread can prevent you from losing control of the vehicle.
• Check the battery: Check your battery for corrosion and ensure it is charged so you won’t be stranded on the highway in a storm.
• Inspect the brakes: Test your brake pads for quality assurance. Well-kept brakes could be the last thing keeping you from experiencing a car accident.
• Test lights and signals: In treacherous conditions, your lights and signals are the only way other cars can see you and keep a safe distance. 
• Examine the fluids: Check that your engine oil, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid are at adequate volumes.

Snow and Ice

Extreme snow and ice can cause roads to freeze and decrease visibility while on the road. To practice safe driving, ensure you have proper winter tires and tire chains if necessary. Scrape any snow or ice buildup from your windows for maximum visibility. When you get on the road, slow down. Overpasses and bridges tend to freeze first, so drive carefully and look out for black ice. 

If your car is stalled, stay close to the vehicle. Attempt to stay warm without using too much fuel and call for help as soon as possible. If you’re stuck in snow and can’t get out, straighten your tires and push on the gas slowly. Use cat litter, sand, or blocks to help escape. 

Heavy Rain and High Winds

Driving in rainy conditions or high winds can cause you to lose control and hydroplane accidentally. To stay in control, drive in the middle of the lane, and don’t drive in water where you can’t see the road marks. It only takes 12 inches of water to float a car away, so it’s best to turn around and find a different route if flooding is severe. 

Practice safe driving tips such as using your headlights, windshield wipers, cruise control. If you do start to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas and steadily press on the brakes.

If winds are high, look out for debris and be cautious around vehicles carrying cargo such as vans, trucks, or trailers. 

Fog

In normal foggy conditions, you should still be able to see the car in front of you. In extreme fog, it can be hard to even see headlights in front of you. To help your visibility, turn on low beams and your vehicle’s fog lights. Also, use your best judgment. If you have trouble seeing the road, safely pull over and turn your hazard lights on. Start driving again once visibility improves.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Whether your car breaks down or your tire pops, it’s important to be prepared for any emergency. Here’s what you should keep in a car emergency kit:

• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Food 
• Water
• Blanket
• Car Phone Charger
• Jumper Cables
• Lug Wrench
• Flares
• Ice Scrapers
• Cat Litter or Sand
• Map

Emergencies can happen out of nowhere. Follow the steps above to help reduce driving anxiety and be prepared for any weather conditions while on the road. Most importantly, exercise caution. If the weather is too extreme, stay indoors and wait it out rather than put yourself or your passengers at risk.