How to Drive Safely in Severe Weather Conditions

When the weather outside is frightful, the drive will be far from delightful. Taking extra precautions can help you drive more safely and can even prevent future accidents. We’ve covered some tips below to help you drive more safely in various weather conditions.

Ice, Snow, or Rain

• When the roads are wet and slippery from ice, snow, or rain, slow down so that you can avoid making sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Brake cautiously to avoid abrupt braking and loss of steering control.
• Your windshield wipers and defroster will be crucial this winter, so make sure they are replaced every 6 to 12 months so that they can work the way you need them to.
• Use your headlights when visibility is compromised.
• Avoid flooded roadways by finding an alternative route.
• Driving in the middle lane is usually ideal because the middle lanes are higher, so there’s a greater chance of water runoff in the side lanes.

Fog

• Slow down and turn on the low beam headlights to see more clearly.
• If the fog impairs your vision, safely pull as far to the right side of the road as possible and turn on your emergency lights until visibility improves.
• Avoid sudden stops and reduce your speed so that you have enough time to react.

Stay in Control

• The most important tips for any weather condition are to buckle up, pay attention, obey all road signs, and stay in control of the vehicle.
• You’ll need to be very aware of the road and other drivers around you so that you can respond quickly to signs of a problem.
• If you are experiencing a skid on the road, steer toward your intended path of travel.

Avoid Dangerous Roads

• Whenever possible, stay home. The less you are on the snowy, icy, or slick roads, the better.
• Once you’re on the road, try to avoid particularly dangerous paths or heavily congested areas.
• Give yourself plenty of space around other cars and drive in the middle lane whenever possible.

Pre-Trip Inspection

• Clean the windows and windshield, examine your windshield wipers, make sure all your headlights are working, and make sure your brakes are in optimal condition, at minimum.
• Complete a pre-trip inspection or take advantage of these winter maintenance tips to ensure your car is ready for the upcoming challenges.
• It is also a good idea to keep certain items in your car, such as an emergency kit, in the event that you are stranded on the road due to harsh driving conditions.

Sell Your Junk Car

If your car can’t get you around safely through harsh weather elements, then it is time for an upgrade. The last thing you want us to be stuck on the side of the road in the middle of winter with an old clunker. Contact Messy Motors at 888-309-1049 about your junk car and we will get the vehicle off your hands in no time. You can even use the cash from the sale as a down payment on a new vehicle that can maneuver the slick winter roads.