Tips for Driving in Extreme Weather

Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain

• Clean ice and snow off your windows, hood and trunk before departing.
• Drive with extreme caution and at reduced speeds.
• Do not brake quickly as you may spin out of control.

Rain and Thunderstorms

• Turn on your headlights, wipers and defroster to increase visibility.
• Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you and reduce your speed.
• If you hydroplane, hold the steering wheel straight and remove your foot from the gas.

Fog

• Slow down before you reach a patch of fog in front of you.
• Use only your low beams or fog lights and put on your defroster and wipers to increase visibility.
• If the fog is extremely thick, roll down all of your windows to hear other vehicles around you.

Tornadoes

• If you are driving during a tornado, do not try to outrun it. Focus on finding a safe place to protect yourself while the tornado passes. Follow these best practices:
  • If the tornado forms in the distance, drive to a nearby public building (e.g., a bank or restaurant) and seek shelter.
  • If the tornado forms nearby, safely pull over to the side of the road, duck below your vehicle’s windows, keep your seat belt fastened and cover your head with your hands or a blanket.
  • If the tornado forms nearby and you have exited your vehicle, take cover in a low-lying ditch and cover your head with your hands or a blanket.

The Dangers of Tailgating in Rain or Snow

Apart from these top tips, allow extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of you when driving in snow or rain, seeing as you will need between three and 12 times the amount of stopping distance that you would normally need without any precipitation.

For additional safety tips check out our other blog posts. For an auto insurance quote or other insurance assistance, contact us today.