Driving In Bad Weather - Part Two

Tuesday's Tips

by Barbara Latta

Foggy and rainy weather can be as hazardous as driving in ice or snow. Limited visibility is dangerous not only for you as the driver of your vehicle, but also for those you are approaching.

Stay safe with these tips:

Fog

Use fog lights

• Use fog lights—the yellow color cuts through fog better than white and also are closer to the road than headlights. This helps illuminate the area in front of your car.
• Slow down—especially before approaching a hill or curve. There may be other vehicles in the road and will not be visible until you are upon them.
• Pump your brakes—when approaching a foggy area flashing the tail lights will alert others behind you.

Rain

Slow down in rain

• Slow down—this can’t be emphasized enough. Any type of bad weather requires adjusting speed. Cars can hydroplane on wet roads, slowing down helps prevent this.
• Avoid Flooded Areas—don’t drive though large puddles of water. It is impossible to estimate how deep they are. Many people have been swept away by trying to drive through water they thought was shallow.
• Check Your Brakes—after your car has been splashed with water, feathering the brakes will create heat which will dry them out.

It’s inevitable we will sometimes have to drive in bad weather. Please be sure to do everything you can to stay safe.

Share any other tips you use when approaching hazardous driving conditions.