Every driver knows what can happen during a severe weather event: roads become slippery, visibility drops and the risk of accidents rises. If you get caught in bad weather while you’re out on the road, here are some strategies to help minimize the hazards that Mother Nature may hurl at you.
Extreme Weather Driving Guide
If you must be on the road during bad weather, these pro tips can help you stay safe.Get An Auto Insurance Quote
Every driver knows what can happen when Mother Nature decides to unleash a weather event: roads become slippery, visibility drops and the risk of accidents rises. Of the roughly 5,891,000 vehicle crashes in the United States each year, approximately 21% occur as a result of adverse weather, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, resulting in 6,000 fatalities and 445,000 injuries. Rain, wind, lightning, sleet and snow can all take a toll, whether you’re driving on a major interstate or a country road. So how do you stay safe? The best strategy is not to drive, if at all possible. But if you get caught in bad weather while you’re out on the road—or you absolutely can’t avoid driving in bad conditions—here are some strategies to help minimize the hazards that Mother Nature may hurl at you.
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How To Drive In Heavy Rain
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Almost half (46 percent) of all weather-related crashes happen when it’s raining out, reports the DOT. It’s easy to see why: A deluge can batter windshields and turn roads into slick paths. That’s why driving in heavy rain is never advisable. But if you get caught in a storm or absolutely have to drive in one, follow these tips from James Solomon of the National Safety Council.
How To Drive During A Flash Flood
CloseFloods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And flash floods—when floodwaters rise quickly—are very dangerous to drivers and passengers, says the Federal Emergency Management Agency: Almost half of all flash-flood fatalities occur in vehicles. While you shouldn’t drive in a flash flood if at all possible, it’s important to know what to do if you find yourself caught in one. Be especially careful in densely populated areas, where the abundance of pavement prevents runoff absorption, and near rivers, where waters can rise very quickly.
How To Drive In A Lightning Storm
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Lightning strikes the earth more than 8 million times a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And while your risk of being hit is low, the resulting injuries can be serious, even when you’re in your car. Between 2003 and 2012, lightning caused an average of 35 deaths per year in the United States. Don’t get behind the wheel when there’s lightning. But here’s what to do if you can’t avoid driving or find yourself caught in a storm.
How To Drive In A Tornado
CloseTornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, they can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds, according to FEMA. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from sky to ground, with swirling winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour. Every state is at some risk of tornadoes, so it’s important to recognize them and know what to do if you see one. Don’t drive in a tornado, however, if at all possible.
How To Drive In A Hailstorm
CloseHail is created when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze into balls of ice, according to NOAA. Hail falls at fast speeds and can cause injury to anyone—and anything—in its path. So avoid driving in a hailstorm if at all possible. James Solomon of the National Safety Council offers these recommendations if you get caught in one.
How To Correct A Skid
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Whenever the road is wet, you run a greater risk of skidding or hydroplaning. That’s what happens when your tires lose traction with the road and your car slides on the surface of the water. While it’s best not to drive when the roads are slick, it may be unavoidable. If you must drive, or you get caught in a storm, here’s what James Solomon of the National Safety Council recommends you do.
How To Navigate Black Ice
CloseBlack ice is neither black nor white—it’s clear. You’ll most likely encounter it during the early morning, especially after snowmelt has frozen overnight, according to the National Weather Service. It can also form when roads are slick from rain and temperatures drop below freezing. You’re more likely to find it on bridges or elevated roadways, parts of the road without much sunshine (like a tunnel) and roads that don’t see much traffic. It’s best not to drive when the roads are slick, but if you get caught on wet roads in freezing conditions (or can’t avoid them), here’s how James Solomon of the National Safety Council recommends handling this hazardous condition.
How To Drive In Snow
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Here’s the first thing to remember: Any amount of snowfall can make driving more of a challenge. That’s why it’s best to avoid driving in snow if at all possible. But if you get caught in a storm or can’t avoid driving, exercise caution at the first sign of snow, no matter the size of the snowflakes. Large, wet snowflakes can pile up quickly and cause slippery road surfaces; while small, light snowflakes can result in icy windshields, obscuring visibility, says James Solomon of the National Safety Council. The resulting road conditions can vary, so be prepared for anything: hard-packed and slippery, rutted with gullies, or even smooth and soft. And if the snow is wet, slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and affect your ability to steer. Here’s what James Solomon of the National Safety Council recommends doing.
How To Drive In A Blizzard
CloseBlizzards present a dangerous combination of blowing snow and wind that results in very low visibility, according to NOAA. You may be able to see only a few feet in front of you; even the road surface and markings may be obscured. Avoid driving in blizzards whenever possible. But if you must, says Taylor Sikes of the American Safety Council, here’s what to do.
What To Do If You Get Stranded
CloseWhile it’s best to not drive in a blizzard if at all possible, it’s good to know how to handle this extreme condition. If the storm traps you in your car or you end up on the side of the road in a snowbank, don’t panic, says James Solomon of the National Safety Council. Follow these guidelines on how to stay safe—and get out of there.
Sheri Smith says,
Thank you I appreciate this information, and have read them.
Paula. Norman says,
Thanks for posting this. I enjoyed reading it. Good to know.
Heather Pin says,
This was a nice read. I also suggest adding the tip to put the vehicle in second gear on treacherous roads. This recently saved me from an accident.
USDENNYNY says,
It’s good idea. Gotta watch your RPMs though, they use lots of engine resources
Noemi Herzog says,
Love the safety tips. Thank you it’s greatly appreciated.
Shirley Wilbanks says,
Thanks for this information for driving safe in bad weather. We have Geico car insurance and we really like it. We have had it for quite a few years now and have no intention of changing.
Editor says,
So glad to hear, Shirley! Thank you for being a valued member of the GEICO family!
Veillard verly says,
Thank you geico I already have geico good job keep doing good job to help your customers.
Linda Moore says,
These r wry helpful and good advise Always better 2 remind ourselves Especially I work construction so I can’t avoid driving in all climates
Antoinette says,
Thank u
Chenai M says,
Great advice!
Peggy Richter says,
you need to add sandstorms. Lots of those out here in the west.
Debra Mason says,
Thank you for these reminders and helpful tips and information!
MR says,
I follow the tips you give and find they work well.
Morris says,
Thank you so much.
Lydia Murray says,
Good information , Thanks
Richard Hoffmann says,
Had anyone tested the difference in vehicles with front wheel drive compared to reat shell drive in adverse conditions be it rain or snow?
There is a difference.
Brenda Russell says,
In my experience, and observing the vehicles that wound up in the ditch during a good-sized blizzard several years ago, front-wheel drive is quite superior to rear-wheel drive vehicles (possibly unless the trunk or bed of that rear-wheel drive vehicle is filled with enough extra weight to affect the traction co-efficient). My little Toyota Corolla (front-wheel drive) crept very capably past Trans Ams, Camaros, and other snazzy but rear-wheel drive vehicles. I can’t speak to rain, but I rather think the same applies.
Igor E Sedor says,
Thank You very much.
Daddy f torres says,
Good tips
Yvette Rosa says,
Thanks for the information very helpful