Your Guide to Safe Driving in Any Type of Weather

Every season brings a different type of weather, and with that comes new driving challenges. Safe driving in bad weather looks different depending on the variety of weather. Here are some safety essentials for driving in all types of weather, keeping you and your loved ones — and everyone else — safe on the road.

Be sure to stay safe on the road by reaching out to Farm Bureau to talk about policies that cover you and your vehicles. 

Winter: Safe Driving in Snow and Ice

If you live in a cold or unpredictable climate, winter driving means battling icy roads and snow. Make sure you follow this seasonal maintenance checklist for your car and then stay safe on winter roads with the following tips.

Reduce Your Speed

The posted speed limit is the speed that’s advised for driving in optimal weather conditions. You may need to reduce your speed when winter weather hits to avoid spinning out or slipping on black ice. 

Clear the Ice

Leaving snow and ice on your windows can obstruct your line of sight. Clear all the windows completely and remove all of the snow from the top of your vehicle. This prevents snow from abruptly falling on the windshield when you’re driving or braking, obscuring your vision and possibly causing an accident.

Correct Carefully on the Road 

If you notice your vehicle sliding on slippery roads, resist the urge to abruptly hit the brakes and turn the wheel, which will increase the likelihood that you’ll lose control of the vehicle. Instead, use calm, gentle movements to correct sliding on icy roads.

Properly Maintain Your Vehicle 

From tire pressure to windshield wipers, keeping your car in optimal condition is critical to staying safe on the road during winter. This involves checking your tires, testing the battery, keeping your gas tank full and replacing your oil when needed.

All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive? 

Typically, all-wheel drive — a vehicle system in which the car sends power from the engine to all four wheels — is preferred for driving on snowy and icy roads because it works all the time on its own, sending power to the wheels that need more grip.

Four-wheel drive, which is more rugged and is typically turned on by the driver, is a good option if you’re going to be driving in deeper snow or very extreme winter weather conditions.

Fall: Safe Driving in the Busy Season

Fall weather tends to be mild, which means you might not be worried about safe driving in bad weather during the fall season. However, many people’s big milestones happen during fall, like the start of a new school year and the harvest season for farmers. That may affect the roads, and it brings its own set of challenges.

Back to School

When the school season starts, there may be more kids walking near the roads or to the bus stop in your community, which means practicing back-to-school driving safety. Be careful backing out of your driveway, and don’t speed while driving through your neighborhood. It’s also important to know the school bus laws in your state to keep everyone safe.

Harvest Season

If you live near farmland or in a rural area, you may encounter large equipment or tractors on the road during harvest season. Keep yourself and the farmers in your community safe by slowing down when you see a piece of ag equipment and watching for Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs and hand signals from people driving large equipment.

Also, keep in mind that the ag vehicle or equipment operators have a right to drive on the road.

Variable Seasons: Safe Driving in Windy Weather

Windy weather can create dangerous driving conditions. Once speeds begin approaching 40 mph and above, the situation can get dangerous. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Watch Out for Debris

High winds can uproot trees, blow debris and down power lines. It can even toss pedestrians in your path. Keep your eyes peeled and go slow.  

Practice Safe Driving

This is not the time to get distracted. Keep both hands on the wheel, slow down and watch the road carefully. Don’t get too close to the cars around you. And if you are in a high-profile vehicle (like a van, truck or SUV), be especially careful: these tend to flip more easily than a low-profile car.

Get Off the Road

If things seem too dangerous, pull over to the side of the road as far away from trees and other tall objects as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and wait in the car until the wind calms down.

All Year: Safe Driving in the Rain 

The risk of an accident increases in the rain. Make sure you take the right safety precautions to stay safe when driving in rain and on wet roads. Here are some safe driving tips in rain.

Check Your Lights and Tires

Make sure your headlights, brake lights, taillights and turn signals are functioning properly so that other drivers can see you. Also, make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated to improve traction.

Use Your Wipers and Lights

Use your lights! They help you see and help others see you. Be sure your wipers are in good shape and use them to keep the water from obstructing your view while driving.

Prevent Hydroplaning 

Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle’s tires encounter more water than it can scatter, causing the vehicle to lose traction and “slide” or “drift” across wet surfaces. To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, slow down and avoid hard braking and turning sharply. It also helps to drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.

Avoid Large Puddles 

Driving through large puddles or roads that are covered with water increases the risk that water will cover your car and obscure your vision. Whenever possible, avoid driving through puddles and large amounts of water.

Protection in Every Season

Having the right auto insurance coverage protects you and your loved ones in every season. Talk to your Farm Bureau agent to make sure you have the right coverage in place.