Driving in Bad Weather Conditions: Tips and Recommendations

Driving in Bad Weather Conditions: Tips and Recommendations

All drivers face adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, many neglect to take the necessary precautions to adapt their driving technique. Researchers and statisticians in Turkey have found that 24% of all accidents occur in adverse weather conditions, including snow, ice, and rain.

Many drivers hold a driver's license but have never had to deal with the challenges posed by bad weather conditions. A driver’s duty is to know how to adjust their driving to meet the conditions of the road they are traveling on.

In this section, we will provide some advice and tips on how to drive in adverse weather conditions. Let's review general recommendations for safe driving in most challenging weather situations.

Tips for Driving in Snow or Ice

Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so slow down and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. Be especially cautious of icy patches.
Keep your windows clean. Visibility is crucial, especially in bad weather. Turn on your lights and windshield wipers, and use the defroster if needed. Scrape off any ice from your windows before you depart, and make sure there are no obstructions in the rear window area. If you’re still having trouble seeing, pull over carefully to a safe area far from the road.
Brake gently. Sudden braking can cause the wheels to lock and result in a loss of steering control. If you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm and steady pressure to the pedal.
Resist the urge to “floor it.” If you’re stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and gently accelerate. Avoid spinning the tires.

Tips for Driving in Rainy Weather

Turn on the wipers but avoid using them continuously. Wipers should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimal performance.
Use your headlights. Visibility often decreases in rainy weather, and headlights can help.
Keep your windows clean. Use the defroster or air conditioning to keep the windows and mirrors clear.
Be patient. Drive slower than usual and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. Wet pavements can lead to loss of traction and skidding.
Avoid waterlogged roads. Never drive through flooded areas, as it can be hard to tell how deep the water is. Take the time to find an alternative route. The last thing you want is to be caught in a flash flood.
Turn off cruise control. On wet roads, it’s best to allow the driver to control speed and react to the conditions.

Tips for Driving in Foggy Conditions

Use your low beams and fog lights. Your headlights should be on, and your low beams should be adjusted for better visibility in foggy conditions.
If visibility is poor, pull over safely to the right side of the road. Move well off the traffic lane and turn on your emergency flashers. Wait until visibility improves before continuing.

Tips for Driving in Strong Winds

Watch out for flying debris. Be extra cautious around trailers, vans, or light trucks.
Avoid driving certain vehicles. It’s best not to drive vehicles like trailers, vans, or other “high-profile” vehicles (like SUVs and trucks with a high center of gravity) in strong winds.

Additional Tips for Driving Your Car or Rental Car in Bad Weather:

Allow extra travel time. In rainy conditions, traffic often moves much slower, so always plan for extra time to reach your destination. People tend to drive more cautiously and slower, so make sure to give yourself extra time to arrive on time without rushing. Also, roads may be flooded or congested, which can lead to additional traffic.
Make sure your headlights are on. This applies to both cars and buses. This helps you see the road better and lets other drivers know you’re there, preventing risky or dangerous situations.
Follow the tracks of the vehicle ahead. In rainy weather, the road signs ahead may be hard to spot. Following the tracks of the vehicle in front of you can help you stay on track and reduce the amount of water between your tires and the road.
Brake earlier. Wet roads are slippery and hazardous. It’s best to brake earlier in rainy conditions, especially for bus drivers who are handling larger vehicles.
Pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists. They may be in a hurry to escape the rain, so make sure to stay alert for their sudden movements.
Defrost your windshield. Rain and humidity can cause your windshield to fog up, so ensure your defroster and rear defogger are on.
Avoid large puddles. Cars should avoid driving through puddles, especially in places like Trabzon Airport, where water can damage internal systems. Buses should avoid puddles too as they may splash water on pedestrians and other vehicles, causing poor visibility.
Give extra distance to buses and trucks. Large vehicles can splash water and completely block your vision. If possible, keep your distance to stay safe.
Ensure your tires are properly inflated and not worn down. Wet roads require slower speeds, and avoiding puddles helps prevent dangerous situations.

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