Driving Safely in Adverse Weather

By Karen Johnston August 23, 2019

Quick facts

One in every six traffic accidents is caused by adverse weather conditions.
Road oil accumulates during dry periods and creates especially slick conditions at the first rain.
Windshield wiper blades have approximately a six-month service life.
A well-functioning suspension system is critical for maintaining vehicle control on slippery roads.

Weather significantly impacts driving safety. According to research, "1 in every 6 accidents is caused by weather conditions." By preparing your vehicle and adjusting driving habits appropriately, many accidents can be prevented.

Precipitation

Rain and wet conditions reduce visibility for all drivers and make stopping more difficult, particularly when road oils accumulate during dry periods. The recommendation is to drive slower and maintain extra distance between vehicles to allow adequate braking time.

Vehicle Maintenance

Proper vehicle upkeep is essential for adverse weather driving. Key components include:

Good quality tires
Proper wheel alignment
Functional suspension system
Clean windshield with effective wipers
Working exterior and interior lights

These elements support visibility, vehicle control, and traction on slick surfaces.

Emergency Kit

Drivers should maintain preparedness by:

Keeping fuel tank above half-full
Carrying a charged cell phone
Assembling a basic road emergency kit containing flares, jumper cables, flashlight, and first aid supplies

Consistent safe driving practices and regular vehicle maintenance keep your vehicle performing at its best during challenging weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

How does wheel alignment affect traction in wet or icy conditions?

Proper wheel alignment ensures that tires make full, even contact with the road surface. Misaligned wheels cause tires to run at a slight angle, reducing the contact patch and traction available. On dry roads the difference may be subtle, but on wet or icy surfaces where traction is already limited, the reduced grip from misaligned tires can be the difference between maintaining control and losing it. Alignment also affects how evenly tires wear, which directly impacts traction.

At what tread depth should I replace tires before winter driving?

The legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch, but traction in wet and snowy conditions degrades well before that point. Most safety organizations recommend replacing tires before they reach 4/32 on vehicles that will encounter rain, and 6/32 for snow conditions. A simple test is to insert a quarter into the tread with Washington's head pointing down. If the top of his head is visible, the tire is at 4/32 or less and approaching the threshold for replacement.

What should I do if my car starts to skid on a wet road?

If the front wheels lose grip (understeer), ease off the throttle and avoid sharp steering inputs, because the front tires need traction to steer, and turning the wheel harder when they are already sliding does not help. If the rear slides out (oversteer), steer gently in the direction of the skid while easing off the throttle. Vehicles with electronic stability control will intervene automatically, but the driver should still avoid sudden corrections. Keeping tires properly inflated and in good condition is the most effective way to prevent skids.

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