To drive safely in snowy and rainy conditions, it's important to "reduce speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles," "use engine brakes and pump brakes to reduce slipping," "use vehicle lights in low visibility conditions," "adapt to road conditions and exercise caution when crossing water.
According to the automotive magazine service of Saed News, driving in any weather condition requires adhering to specific guidelines. While winter driving might not differ significantly from other seasons due to reduced snowfall in many areas, just a bit of snow can quickly make you realize the challenges of driving in snow and ice.
Some might think driving involves only sitting behind the wheel, starting the car, driving, shifting gears, or obtaining a driver's license. However, good driving is an art, and neglecting many details can lead to numerous irreversible problems and accidents. To ensure driving always brings pleasant memories, adhering to all driving rules and regulations is crucial. A good driver constantly pays attention to factors affecting driving, such as the car and road conditions, environmental factors like weather and necessary lighting, the number of vehicles in traffic, and their mental and physical state. Most importantly, they take logical and appropriate precautions to prevent accidents and drive at a safe speed.
Snow and ice make streets slippery and driving difficult. For autumn and winter driving, be cautious before snowfall and freezing, especially on roads, to avoid the danger of being trapped in cold and icy weather. Driving in fog, snow, rain, and ice requires specific driving skills and precautions. It's advisable to consider certain tips for safe and enjoyable driving on snowy days and prevent accidents by following safety tips, using appropriate equipment, and anticipating other drivers' behavior.
Driving at the Start of Rain
You have likely heard not to drive fast during heavy rain and be mindful of slippery roads. This is critical to prevent unfortunate events. Rainfall can make roads slippery and increase braking distance. On rainy days, water accumulates on the road surface, leading to a phenomenon called "aquaplaning," increasing the risk of vehicle slipping. This makes controlling the vehicle more difficult, and at high speeds, even professional drivers may struggle to control the car. Drive cautiously and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Drive at a safe speed suitable for rainy conditions. Driving in snow and ice requires your full attention to the road and other vehicles. Try to drive at a consistent speed, reduce speed in turns, and avoid shifting from light to heavy gears at high speeds.
Drive to avoid sudden braking. If braking is necessary, avoid taking your foot off the gas pedal or pressing the brake suddenly. Braking should be done in two stages, an essential part of driving instruction.
More Tips for Driving in Snow
One of the most picturesque scenes during travel is driving on snow-covered, beautiful white roads. Snow not only reduces visibility but also makes the road surface slippery and controlling the vehicle more challenging. Snow may also create obstacles and heavy traffic. To enjoy such scenery and drive in nature, you should have snow chains or winter tires. It's best to learn how to put on snow chains before facing such conditions.
Drive in a heavy gear. Remember that if you have standard tires and must drive in snow and ice, you can move cautiously and slowly in a heavy gear to get through. You can also slightly deflate the tires to increase their grip and friction with the road.
If the car doesn't move in the snow, clear the snow gathered in front of the tires. Sprinkling salt or sand on the frozen, snowy ground is very helpful. If these methods don't work, place mats or sacks in front of the tires to get the car out of the snow pit. Slowly move the car in second gear over the mats. Therefore, carrying items like sacks, salt or sand, snow chains, extra blankets, warm clothing, and spare car parts in the trunk is essential.
Know your vehicle type. Whether your car is rear-wheel drive with a front engine or front-wheel drive with a front engine is crucial for driving in snow and ice. Controlling the steering wheel is much easier in front-wheel drive, front-engine cars.
How to Drive in Snow, Ice, and Fog
Pay attention to your car lights. Drive with low beams and cautiously in foggy conditions. If you don't have fog lights or if the fog is so thick that you can't see a few meters ahead, park the car with the lights on, away from the road, and wait for the fog to clear. Always check the headlights, turn signals, and taillights in such conditions. Also, ensure the side windows, wipers, and heaters are functioning correctly.
Use low beams while driving in snow and ice for better visibility. Pay attention to the road and use the center and edge lines to keep the car on the correct path. Drive at a constant speed and slower than on dry roads. Navigate turns slowly and carefully without quickly turning the steering wheel. Avoid sudden braking or turning, and gently press the gas pedal without rapidly accelerating.
Know the roads when driving in snow and ice. Be more attentive if the road has many bumps, is narrow, or has cliffs or height changes. Drive in a heavy gear and stay away from the edges.
Never use the brakes while turning. If you need to brake and reduce speed, do so when driving straight and allow more braking distance on snow and ice. Brake gently to avoid wheel lock-up. Consider 3-4 times the usual braking distance when driving in snow and ice. If the car skids, remove your foot from the gas pedal and keep the steering wheel in the direction of the turn to give the front wheels a chance to regain traction. Be mindful of other drivers; avoid braking in such situations.
Maximum and Minimum Speeds to Follow in Snow and Rain
The maximum and minimum speeds to follow in snow and rain depend on factors like road conditions, precipitation type, tire condition, and local regulations. Generally, it is advised to significantly reduce speed in snowy and rainy conditions and drive at a safe, appropriate speed.
For snowy or icy roads, the maximum speed is usually 60 kilometers per hour. Avoid exceeding this speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive at a speed that allows you to have complete control over the car and move safely. Always pay attention to and adhere to road signs and speed limits.
Braking distances increase in snowy and rainy conditions. Therefore, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles ahead is crucial. This allows you to brake better and on time, preventing accidents.
When driving in snow and rain, braking gently and preemptively is essential. Instead of applying sudden and strong pressure on the brake pedal, gradually apply it to maintain better control and prevent tire slipping.
If the car tires lock and skid, braking power decreases significantly. In such cases, reduce pressure on the brake pedal to unlock the wheels and then brake again.
Personal Winter Equipment
A parked car in winter has a cold and uncomfortable interior because the cold seeps into the body and reduces the vent size. Therefore, a car with mechanical issues in winter can cause stress for passengers. Thus, having warm clothing and blankets, along with winter hats and gloves, is essential. Comfortable winter shoes can be a great help for a good driver to control the car and, if necessary, seek help from others outside the city.
It's crucial for passengers to have warm clothes and remember that if you get cold in winter and need to stop in cold places, try to stay calm and stay awake as sleeping in such conditions can be deadly. Having at least four blankets, dates, and raisins in the car during winter travel is essential.
