Driving in Adverse Conditions
- 1/20If heavy rain reduces visibility
Rain impacts braking, visibility, and tire traction drive slowly, keep a firm grip, and maintain longer stopping distances.
When roads are icy or covered in snow
Abrupt inputs can cause skidding. Use gentle steering and braking to maintain grip on icy or snowy surfaces.
You encounter dense fog
Fog can reduce visibility to near zero. Slow down, avoid overtaking, and keep lights low to prevent glare and improve reaction time.
If you are driving during a thunderstorm
Stay focused. While lightning strikes are rare, rain and wind increase risk of hydroplaning or veering off course maintain lane position firmly.
When visibility is under 50 meters
The shorter your visibility, the shorter your reaction time. Keep headlights and fog lights on and prepare for sudden stops.
If driving through standing water
Water can cause tires to lose contact with the road enter slowly, steer gently, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
You are on a mountainous or hilly road in snow
Slopes demand careful control lower gears prevent wheelspin, and consistent speed helps avoid stalling on inclines.
When strong side winds hit your vehicle
Be especially cautious in open areas, bridges, or when passing trucks side gusts can push your vehicle off-course.
You notice black ice ahead
Black ice is nearly invisible and extremely slippery. Let the vehicle coast and steer gently to maintain control.
If your windshield fogs up
Clear interior moisture with A/C or heating systems visibility must be restored immediately before continuing.
You approach a flooded underpass
Water depth is deceptive just 30 cm can float a car. Attempting to drive through risks stalling or being swept away.
When stuck in heavy snow or slush
Rapid acceleration digs you in deeper. Use traction mats or gentle rocking in low gear to free the car, or call for assistance.
If headlights reflect off fog
High beams reflect off water droplets, worsening visibility use fog lights or dipped beams to light the road effectively.
You drive near trees during a storm
High winds may snap branches or send debris into the road drive slowly and watch overhead surroundings.
When braking takes longer than expected
Slippery or wet surfaces significantly increase stopping time. More distance gives you a buffer to react safely.
You get caught in a sudden hailstorm
Hailstones reduce traction and can shatter glass safely stop under shelter or by the roadside until conditions improve.
If it is snowing and your car lacks winter tires
Without proper tires, you risk sliding or becoming stuck. Winter tires provide better grip, braking, and control in snow and slush.
You approach a tunnel in winter weather
Tunnel entrances often stay icy longer than open roads approach with caution and test braking grip gently before entering.
When passing snow plows or salt spreaders
These vehicles move slowly and may stop, reverse, or shift suddenly. Stay well behind to avoid being sprayed or hit by debris.
If you are caught in fog at night
Visibility is reduced in both directions rear fog lights make you visible, while cautious speed prevents collisions with unseen obstacles.