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When the weather is frightful: How to drive safely

By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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You look outside to see a torrential downpour. A flash of lightning lights the sky, quickly followed by the crash of thunder. You shudder at the thought of driving in this weather, but you have an important meeting to get to.

Most people find driving in bad weather stressful or even frightening. It's best to stay inside - but that isn't always possible. Here's how to stay safe when you have to drive.

Maintain your vehicle

• Keep your battery in good condition.
• Replace wiper blades every six months and check wiper fluid regularly.
• Make sure brakes work properly.
• Replace worn tires to prevent hydroplaning. Keep tires well inflated to improve vehicle control.

General driving tips for bad weather

If you must drive in inclement weather, give yourself plenty of time and follow these tips:

• Wear your seatbelt.
• Use main roads.
• Avoid using your cruise control.
• Drive slowly and double your normal following distance.

Thunderstorms

If you are driving a car with a hard top and are caught in a thunderstorm, you are safer staying in the car than leaving. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, your vehicle's steel roof can help keep you safe as long as you don't touch metal. Contrary to popular belief, rubber tires will not protect you from lightning.

If you must drive:

• Turn on your low beams and slow down.
• Avoid flooded roads and downed power lines.
• Be extra cautious at intersections.
• If you can't see, pull over to the side of the road.
• If you pull over, use your flashers until the rain slows down.

The same precautions apply to hailstorms. To protect your car from hail damage, pull into a parking garage or some other form of shelter until the hail ends.

Flooding

Flash floods can occur in minutes. If flood waters begin to rise around your car, get out and move quickly to higher ground. Just six inches of water can enter your car and cause your engine to stall. A foot of water can make your car float - and two feet can sweep it away.

Fog

If you must drive in fog:

• Turn on your low beams. High beams reflect off the fog and make your visibility worse.
• Watch your speed. Driving in fog can make you think you're going slower than you really are.
• Stay in your lane and avoid passing.
• If you can, pull into a parking lot or some other area that is away from traffic.

High winds

Strong gusts of wind can blow your car off the road, especially on wide open stretches or bridges. Focus on staying in your lane. Also, be alert for fallen branches or debris.

Ice and snow

• Don't drive until the streets have been plowed and salted.
• Clear all snow and ice from your hood, trunk and roof before driving to prevent it from flying off and striking your windshield or other vehicles. In some states it's the law to do this.
• Clear off headlights, taillights and brake lights. Dirty headlights can cut your visibility in half. Uncleared taillights and brake lights can cause accidents.
• Use extra caution on bridges and ramps.
• Drive slowly.
• Keep your headlights on.
• Increase the space between your car and the one in front of you.
• Keep your car in low gear to prevent skidding.
• Don't use cruise control.
• Watch out for "black ice."
• Accelerate and brake slowly.
• If you start skidding, take your foot off the gas, switch into neutral and steer in the direction of the skid. Resist the temptation to brake, but if you have to and you have antilock brakes, use steady pressure without pumping. If you don't have antilock brakes, pump the brakes gently.

Remember that plans can be changed and appointments can be rescheduled. Getting there on time may seem important, but getting there safely is crucial.  

View the original When the weather is frightful: How to drive safely article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency. Natural hazards.
• AAA Mid-Atlantic, Inc. Inclement weather driving. Accessed April 28, 2009.
• Federal Citizen Information System. Inclement weather driving.
• National Institutes of Health, Office of Research Facilities. Safe practices for winter weather driving and commuting.
• AAA Mid-Atlantic, Inc. How to go on ice and snow.
• INDOT Office of Communication. Winter driving tips.
• California State Highway Patrol. Fog driving safety tips.