Texas weather—gotta love it. Skies were blue when you left the house, but now the rain is coming down in buckets. The way ahead is barely visible through the downpour and now your heart is pounding as the wind threatens to blow your car off the road. If you driven in Texas very long, you’ve probably been surprised by the weather more than once.
Did you know? According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather contributed to nearly 21% of all vehicle crashes over the last decade. On average, nearly 6,000 people are killed and more than 445,000 are injured in weather-related crashes each year.
Driving in bad weather presents unique challenges that can catch even experienced drivers off guard. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can significantly reduce your risk on the road.
Preparing for Bad Weather
Vehicle Maintenance
To be prepared for bad weather, there are some things you should do when the weather is good. Proper vehicle maintenance is your first line of defense against inclement weather. Being prepared can turn a potential crisis into a minor inconvenience.
Here’s what you need to check regularly:
Did you know that properly inflated tires significantly improves traction in wet conditions? It’s a simple step that can make a big difference!
Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, stocked with some essentials. This will help you stay safe and comfortable in case of unexpected breakdowns or delays.
A well-stocked emergency kit should include items like:
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Weather-Related Driving Tips
Different weather conditions require different driving strategies. Here’s what you need to know:
Driving in Rain
When driving in the rain:
- Slow Down—Wet roads can be slippery, so reduce your speed to maintain control
- Use Your Headlights—This tip is especially true during the day. Headlights may not help you to see much better, but having them on will greatly improve the ability of other drivers to see you
- Cancel Your Cruise Control—Slick roads increase the chances of hydroplaning. Having your speed set in advance interferes with your ability to react quickly and safely if your tires lose contact with the road
Remember, the first 10 minutes of a rainstorm are often the most dangerous due to oils on the road surface.
Driving in Snow and Ice
For snowy or icy conditions:
- Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly—Gentle braking and accelerating are key to maintaining control
- Increase Following Distance—Allow more space between your vehicle and others to prevent collisions
- Avoid Sudden Movements—Sudden acceleration, braking, or turning can cause loss of control
- Use Winter Tires or Chains—These can significantly improve traction in snowy or icy conditions
Did you know? Winter tires can provide up to 50% more traction than all-season tires in snowy conditions? Consider investing in a set if you live in an area with frequent winter weather.
On the other hand…This is a free course designed for Texas, so you’ll probably be OK skipping this tip!
Driving in Fog
When driving in fog:
- Use Fog Lights—If your vehicle has fog lights, use them; if you don’t, use low beams instead. Never use high beams in fog. The water vapor will reflect the light from the high beams significantly reducing your ability to see
- Reduce Speed—Drive slowly and cautiously, as visibility can change rapidly
- Increase Following Distance—Allow more space between your vehicle and others to prevent collisions
The greatest danger when driving in fog is reduced visibility. Do your best to lessen the effects of reduced visibility using strategies like listening for traffic you may not be able to see and using the right edge of the road as a guide
Storm Driving Safety
Heavy Storms
When encountering heavy storms, prioritize your safety:
Lightning and Thunderstorms
When caught in a thunderstorm:
Remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown“—Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. As little as six inches of water can sweep a car off the road
Driving in bad weather requires extra caution and preparation. Regular vehicle maintenance, having an emergency kit, and understanding how to drive in various weather conditions can greatly enhance your safety on the road. Remember to practice these safe driving techniques and remember, sometimes the safest way to beat driving in bad weather is to not drive in it at all. Be prepared to delay your trip if the weather turns bad. Getting there late and safe beats not getting there at all.
