Adverse Weather Driving Challenges
 
Heavy rain, snow, ice, fog, smoke and wind create concerns for all motorists. Regardless of the type of adverse weather condition, hazards encountered are generally the same: reduced visibility, reduced traction, increased stopping distances, increased traffic congestion, and uncertainty over how other motorists will behave. The strategies safety professionals recommend for negotiating these hazards safely are also similar: reduce speed, increase following distance, turn and brake carefully on slippery roads, turn on your lights, look far ahead for emerging hazards, and during severe adverse conditions, park in a safe place and wait until conditions improve.
 
Following Distance
 
Under ideal road and weather conditions, the recommended “following distance” for large commercial vehicles is approximately six to eight seconds. For smaller vehicles, it is less. According to the National Safety Council, to calculate the recommended distance, drivers should include one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length, plus add one additional second if traveling faster than 40 mph. For example, if a 20-foot vehicle is traveling 60 mph, the recommended following distance is three seconds. Two seconds (two 10-foot lengths) plus one second (because the vehicle is traveling more than 40 mph) equals three seconds. Once the recommended following distance is calculated, you need to pick a reference point on the road that the vehicle in front of you has just passed (power pole, parked car, etc.). Count the seconds until you get there (one thousand one, one thousand two, etc.). If you reach the reference point prior to the recommended time, increase your following distance and count again. During adverse weather conditions increase your following distance by one or more seconds, depending on the severity of the conditions.
 
Vehicle Condition 
 
Driving during adverse weather can be demanding for both the driver and the vehicle. It is important to ensure that your vehicle is ready for all types of weather. A number of items can affect your ability to manage adverse weather and should be inspected before and during your trip, including tires, exhaust system, lights and reflectors, antifreeze, brakes, windshield wipers and washer fluid, fuel tank level, mirrors, tire chains (where allowed by law), heating and defrosting system, and personal gear and supplies.
 
Make sure you know what to expect during your trip. Listen to the latest weather reports to stay informed about adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip to allow for any unexpected delays. In the case of severe adverse weather, consider changing your route to avoid the worst weather or postponing your trip until conditions improve. Have access to a cell phone, or CB radio, in the event you become stranded.
 
Adverse Weather
 
Safety professionals offer a number of recommendations for managing the unique hazards associated with various adverse weather conditions.
 
Rain
 
Rain is the most common adverse weather condition. Despite this, drivers often overlook the dangers of driving in rain. The hazards associated with rain include: slippery roads, wet brakes, reduced visibility and traffic congestion.
Compensating for these hazards by reducing your speed and increasing your following distance is essential.
 
Watch for pooling of water on the road. Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride above the road surface on a thin layer of water. Speed, amount of water on the roadway, tire tread depth, tire air pressure, and road surface characteristics are all factors that influence whether a vehicle is at risk of hydroplaning. It is possible for vehicles to hydroplane at speeds as low as 30 mph. Watch for other motorists who are driving smaller, lighter vehicles that may be more likely to lose control of their vehicles. Turn on your lights to help other motorists see your vehicle.
 
Snow and Ice
 
Snow and ice are common weather conditions in many areas of our county. When freezing temperatures are expected along your route, be prepared for snow and ice. Road conditions can vary considerably depending on the quantity of snow and other characteristics. When driving on snow and ice, carefully consider what speed is appropriate for the prevailing conditions. Accelerate slowly and look far ahead for potential hazards.
 
In some areas snow chains may be required. Before traveling into these areas make sure you have the required chains and that they are in proper working condition.
 
In areas where snow and ice are uncommon, be especially cautious of motorists who may not have experience driving under these conditions. Allow extra time in your schedule in case there are delays. Remember, some areas of the county may not have adequate equipment to keep roads clear of snow and ice.
 
Ice and freezing rain present the most hazardous conditions, with glare ice, perhaps, being the most dangerous condition. Stopping distance can increase dramatically on ice and the potential for losing control of your vehicle is high. The risk of being involved in an accident as a result of other motorists losing control of their vehicles is also high.
 
Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

 
 
Ice Facts:
 
·         Wet roads can become icy whenever temperatures fall below freezing.
·         Melting snow and ice can refreeze at night when temperatures drop below freezing.
·         Ice can form in shaded areas, including under overpasses, at times when roads are otherwise free of ice.
·         Expect ice to form more quickly on bridges and over-passes as they cool from being exposed underneath, as well as at the surface.
·         “Black ice” can form on roads due to vehicle exhaust moisture which drivers may not expect.
·         Accumulations of ice on mirrors, antennas, and road signs are indications that ice is forming on the roadway.
·         A lack of water spray from other vehicles is also an indication that ice may be forming.
 
Fog and Smoke
 
Fog and smoke can present serious and unexpected hazards, sometimes greatly reducing visibility in just seconds. Many serious car and truck pile-ups have occurred as a result of these hazards. Watch for fog to accumulate in low-lying areas. The potential hazards of fog and smoke include reduced visibility, headlight glare, sudden traffic congestion and vehicles stopped on the roadway. When approaching fog or smoke, slow down to ensure there is enough space to stop safely if you encounter slowed or stopped traffic. Use your low-beam headlights.
 
Wind
 
Strong winds can create an extreme hazard for high-profile vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, buses and recreational vehicles. High winds are often associated with severe storms that can create additional hazards, as well.
 
The weight and configuration of your vehicle will determine how it will be affected by wind. Light, high-profile vehicles are likely to be affected more readily than heavier, low-profile vehicles. Watch for other motorists who may be having difficulties staying in their lane. Dust and dirt can reduce visibility. Blowing debris can cause other motorists to drive erratically.
 
Tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA's telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don't over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

 
 
Summary
 
Driving defensively is especially critical during adverse weather. Plan ahead and be prepared. Adjust your speed and following distance in all adverse weather conditions. Do not take chances when weather and road conditions deteriorate. Drive with caution and watch for other motorists who lack the skill or experience to drive safely. Most importantly, find a safe place to park and wait for conditions to improve during severe conditions.