Winter Weather Driving
Winter weather can present unique challenges for motorists. Drivers should know safety rules and exercise caution while driving in inclement weather. The following tips will help drivers stay safe on Stockton’s roads this winter.
Before You Drive
Much of the advice to improve driving safety concerns what you can do before you drive. Your vehicle’s tires are the only things connecting you to the roadway in regular operation, and consequently, they are an essential component that should be maintained vigilantly. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated and within wear tolerances- the cooler weather means that even if they were inflated during the warm summer months, they would have lost air volume without leaking. Check your tread depth and inflation levels, including the spare tire.
Checking the wearables on your vehicle can help to identify issues before they cause an accident. Ensure your vehicle’s lights are all functioning correctly and that your vehicle is in safe, operable condition. An owner must maintain their automobile safely- this duty cannot be delegated to another.
If you need to warm up your vehicle before driving, ensure the area is adequately ventilated to avoid accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
Driving During Fog
Dense fog is a common issue in and around Stockton, a condition that has proven deadly in many instances. Fog can significantly reduce visibility and compromise a driver’s ability to see obstacles on the road. In such a situation, drivers should slow down to give themselves more time to avoid hazards. Fog-bound motorists should always use their headlights to increase their visibility to other drivers. However, they should never use their brights as the tiny water droplets that make up fog will spread and reflect high-beam headlights beyond their effective parameters. Sometimes, the best driving decision is to stay off the road until the weather improves.
Driving During High Winds
High winds are another danger facing motorists in the fall and winter months. Powerful intermittent gusts can be challenging to compensate for and can redirect a vehicle off course. In conditions with high winds, anticipate gusts if possible and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Be aware of larger vehicles- the broad side of a big rig can act like a sail and push a tractor-trailer into adjacent lanes. Motorcycles, inversely lightweight, are also susceptible to being thrown off course by an errant gust. Drivers should always take their time and commit their full attention to the road.
Driving During Rainy Weather
Rainy weather produces two main issues for drivers: limited visibility and decreased traction. Slowing down can help drivers increase their ability to respond to hazards on the roadway and also decrease the propensity for losing traction. If your vehicle begins to lose traction and skid, you mustn’t panic and overcompensate or slam on the brakes; if you can, continue to look and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go and remain calm.
Watch the YouTube video – PSA – Drive Safely in the Rain, by CHP:
Remember, the first ten minutes of a rainstorm are often the most dangerous as oils and residues on the surface of the road mix with rainwater and create slippery conditions for drivers.
Avoiding Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning refers to the problem of a vehicle losing contact with the roadway because the tire is encountering more water than it can displace. With as little as 1/12 of an inch of water on the pavement, tires must displace a gallon of water every second to keep the rubber in contact with the road. To reduce the risk of hydroplaning, make sure your tires have adequate tread (the groves in the tire that allow it to shed water), and if possible, drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you as it will have already displaced some water from the roadway. Avoiding hard braking, sharp turns, puddles, and outer lanes where water accumulates are good ways to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
Driving When Roads Icy
While extreme cold is not common in Stockton, residents may find themselves dealing with icy conditions while driving to alpine winter sports destinations or simply during their travels. If you encounter icy conditions on the road, slow down. Accelerating and decelerating slowly can help you maintain traction; it is also essential to avoid powering up hills. Avoid stopping if possible, especially if you are going uphill. As previously mentioned, sometimes the safest driving decision is to stay home.
Related Articles by Stockton Car Accident Lawyer Ed Smith:
- Motorcycle Rider Killed Saturday Morning in Stockton Crash
- Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident Near Stockton
- Pedestrian Accident Fatally Injures Woman Near Stockton
Stockton Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Car Accident Lawyer. Have you or someone you love been injured in an accident? Please immediately contact me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice with no obligation. I can also be reached through my website, AutoAccident.com.
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