Picture a person completely disregarding defensive driving in Texas. The image that most likely races to mind first is probably of someone behind the wheel while either under the influence or distracted by texting. Most drivers don’t see Mother Nature as one of the culprits we need to drive defensibly against.
However in Texas and most of the US, certain seasons bring with them periodic driving hazards. We’ve put together a few easy, yet useful tips to keep you cautious and others safe when driving in occasional adverse conditions.
Avoid Sudden Directives
The weather not only influences the environment around us, it also affects how our wheels respond to our driving commands. Automobiles require rolling traction to stop safely, gain and reduce speed, and turn. Healthy traction is jeopardized when tires and pavement are subjected to any type of moisture. When weather is inclement, we highly suggest that you refrain from making abrupt changes.
- Avoid hard or sudden braking and changing direction.
- Avoid sudden changes in vehicle direction or speed.
Reduce Speed
Adverse weather means extended braking distances, limited visibility, and reduced traction for drivers. Remember that speed limits do not apply when weather is hostile; the limit decreases. Exactly how much the limit should decrease depends on the circumstance:
- Wet road – reduce speed from 5-10 mph
- Snow – reduce speed to a minimum of ½ of the posted speed limit
- Ice – Try not to travel at all. If an emergency occurs, driving should be no more than a slow crawl.
The Forgotten Rule
When commuting back and forth, many drivers forget to follow a simple guideline that really works when it comes to crash avoidance and road safety. The two-second rule is a good guideline to use during good weather situations. Here is a refresher on how it works.
- Spot an object, any object, maybe a fire hydrant or tree.
- Notice when the vehicle in front of you passes it.
- Allow at least 2 seconds to go by before your vehicle passes the same mark.
In inclement weather, drivers should increase the two-second rule depending on the severity of the conditions. It is suggested that the two-second following distance increase to 4 seconds in rain, 8 in snow, and 12 in ice.
Inclement weather often creates a road domino effect. Rain, snow, and ice create slippage instead of rolling traction, causing skidding, loss of directional steering, and increased stopping distances. Making a habit of following these tips will increase safe traveling; and of course, remember to use headlights when driving in fog during night and daytime hours.
