Driving In Hazardous Conditions
When the weather is predicted to be hazardous, take precautions to be safe when driving. Do you know what to do when driving in hazardous conditions?
What To Do When Driving In Hazardous Conditions
Remember that only a small amount of accumulation is needed to make the roads slick and dangerous due to the precipitation mixing with the oils that are on the roads. Once that mix happens, the roads can turn into an ice skating rink.
Make sure that you keep a safe distance from the driver in front of you. What happens if the person in front of you slams on the brakes? Do you have enough time and room to safely stop?
Don’t let other drivers’ lack of caution affect you. Keep yourself and your passengers safe. If a driver is following too close, maintain your speed and let them pass you. Unfortunately, that driver might be the car you see up the road that has gotten into an accident because of their carelessness. If you are going to use caution while driving and are going to go the speed limit or a little slower, please use the appropriate lane. Try your best to not use a passing lane unless you are passing another vehicle.
Use Common Sense
Use common sense if the conditions worsen while driving. If you are having trouble seeing more than a few feet in front of you, safely pull over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and wait until you can safely continue to your destination.
Keep in mind that the people behind you may be following your car lights, so if you need to get off the road get as far over as you can and be aware of what others are doing around you.
Potential Hazards While Driving
1. Rain and Wet Roads
Rain reduces traction and increases the distance it takes to stop. Wet pavement also raises the risk of hydroplaning, where your tires lose contact with the road. This can make steering and braking nearly impossible.
Tips:
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Slow down and drive at a safe speed for the conditions.
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Avoid sharp turns and sudden stops.
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Keep your headlights on, even during the day.
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Make sure your tires have good tread and your wipers work well.
2. Snow and Ice
Snow and ice create some of the most dangerous driving conditions. Roads become slick, visibility drops, and stopping distances grow. Black ice—thin, hard-to-see ice—is especially dangerous because it often looks like a wet spot.
Tips:
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Drive slowly and allow extra room between cars.
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Use winter or all-weather tires.
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Never use cruise control on icy roads.
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Brake gently to avoid skidding.
3. Fog
Fog limits visibility and makes it hard to see other vehicles or road signs. High-beam headlights reflect off fog and reduce visibility even more.
Tips:
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Use low beams or fog lights if you have them.
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Slow down and leave extra space in front of you.
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Follow the right edge of the road or painted lane lines to stay on course.
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If visibility becomes too poor, pull over safely and wait for it to clear.
4. High Winds
Strong winds can push your car out of its lane, especially if you drive a large or tall vehicle. Wind can also carry debris, like branches or trash, onto the road.
Tips:
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Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
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Slow down, especially when passing or being passed by large trucks.
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Stay alert for debris and fallen objects.
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Avoid driving during wind advisories if possible.
5. Flooded Roads
Flooded roads are more dangerous than they appear. Just a few inches of water can stall your car, and a foot of water can carry most vehicles away.
Tips:
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Never drive through standing or moving water.
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Turn around and find another route.
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Watch for road closure signs and obey them.
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If your car stalls in water, abandon it if you can do so safely.
6. Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from nearby wildfires can reduce visibility and make it hard to breathe. Even if flames aren’t near the road, smoke can make driving risky.
Tips:
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Keep windows rolled up and use “recirculate” mode for the AC.
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Drive slowly and keep headlights on.
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Be ready for sudden road closures.
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Avoid travel if air quality alerts are in effect.
7. Landslides and Rockfalls
These hazards usually follow heavy rain, earthquakes, or snowmelt in hilly or mountainous areas. Large rocks or debris can block the road or damage vehicles.
Tips:
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Watch for warning signs like “Falling Rocks.”
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Be extra cautious during or after storms.
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Stay alert in canyon or cliff areas, especially on winding roads.
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If you see falling debris ahead, stop and turn around if possible.
8. Animals on the Road
Wild animals like deer, elk, or coyotes may dart into traffic with little warning. Most crashes involving animals happen at dawn or dusk.
Tips:
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Use high beams when driving in rural areas at night (when safe to do so).
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Slow down near wooded areas or animal crossing signs.
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If an animal crosses your path, brake firmly—don’t swerve.
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Be alert after spotting one animal; more may follow.
Dealing With Hazardous Conditions While Driving
Driving in hazardous conditions requires more than just caution—it calls for preparation, awareness, and smart decisions behind the wheel. Whether it’s rain, ice, fog, or high winds, each type of hazard brings unique risks. Knowing how to respond can help you stay in control and avoid accidents.
It’s also a good idea to review your car insurance from time to time. Understanding what your policy covers—especially when it comes to weather-related damage—can give you added peace of mind. If you’re not sure what’s included or have questions, speaking with a trusted advisor, like those at Insurance Advisors of St. Louis, can help you feel more prepared before you hit the road.
Stay safe and stay ready.