Driving in Rain or Snow: Which is more dangerous?
Driving is already dangerous enough in sunny weather. Add in some rain or snow and the conditions get especially risky. When you go out in either of these harsh weather environments, it’s important to know how to stay safe. Some people think snow is the more difficult of the two, but the dangers of wet roads need to be talked about.
We’ll discuss all the ways you can protect yourself from poor weather. This can range from the type of vehicle you are driving to the extra precautions you can take, like getting great windshield wipers. If you feel uncomfortable driving in adverse weather conditions and you know ahead of time that the roads might not be ideal, it may be a good idea to stay home until the weather clears.
Dangers of Rain
Rain can cause a variety of problems on the road. Visibility is one of the most important things to consider. You need to make sure you always turn on your headlights if there is any rain. Some people only do this at night, but daytime headlight use will help others see you in the wet weather.
If your car has any windshield wipers on the back of the vehicle, turn those on too. You need to take advantage of the side mirrors when you can’t see out of the back. Using your defrosters will also combat any moisture added to the windshield.
Getting good traction with your tires is also a concern in the rain. Slick roads make it harder to put on the brakes suddenly. Keeping your distance from the driver in front of you is even more important when it is raining. Tailgating and speeding are a recipe for an accident in wet conditions.
Hydroplaning
The scariest instance of rain affecting your driving is when your vehicle starts hydroplaning. This happens when the tires have lost all traction with the pavement because there is a layer of water between your car and the road. Don’t put on the brakes suddenly. You should steer the vehicle carefully in the correct direction and stay calm.
Having tires with minimal wear and tear is a great way to combat rainy roads, but they don’t help when hydroplaning. Talk to a professional driving instructor if you want some advice on steering and braking. Sign up for a defensive driving class if you want a full education on these potential scenarios.
Dangers of Snow
Snow is much more famous for being dangerous than rain. And while this is an assumption that is unfounded, there are still a lot of reasons to be afraid of driving in the snow. Always avoid driving in mountainous terrain in the winter. Most of these regions are too treacherous to overcome no matter what driving skills you possess.
Look at your weather forecast ahead of time. If you plan on leaving with snow on the ground, make sure you put chains on your tires. Use a vehicle that has four-wheel drive. SUVs and other utility vehicles are great for getting through the snow.
Ice is a whole different threat, though. There is no amount of preparation to prepare you for when you start sliding. Make sure you don’t panic. Just like the rain suggestions above, you need to steer carefully. Don’t slam on the brakes at the first sign of slippery terrain.
Black ice is an even more significant threat. This type of ice is primarily a threat after the sun goes down. The ice is so thin it camouflages the road. The darkness outside makes it impossible to see the ice on the road. You can't slow down in time, and you start slipping immediately.
Avoid Speeding in Snow
Driving much slower than the typically suggested speed posted on the side of the road is one of the most important things when driving in snow and ice. Drive slower even when you think the roads look good. This is to prepare yourself for any unexpected loss of control on types of ice like black ice.
Once again, just like with the rain, if you don’t think you are prepared or skilled enough to drive on snow and ice, sit at home. Don’t put your safety at risk for any reason.
Other Dangerous Weather While Driving
Snow and ice are two of the worst types of weather for driving, but there are other dangerous conditions, too. Fog is another weather element that can cause less than ideal road conditions. Fog is one of the worst things that could happen when you are driving. If there is ever fog in the distance, slow down and make sure your headlights are dimmed.
Believe it or not, sunny weather can also be dangerous. Even the most beautiful roads become fatal if the sun is in your eyes. If you live in cities with a lot of sunshine, consider buying sunglasses or tinted windows. These items can at least stunt the effects of sunshine on your visibility.
Wind can be dangerous if you are driving on a bridge or a narrow road. There is nothing you can do to avoid the dangers of high winds. Stay off the highway when wind speeds get out of control.
Insurance for Bad Weather
Insurance will usually cover accidents due to bad weather if you have collision coverage on your auto policy. If you get into a fender-bender or slide off the road when it’s icy, you will need to contact your auto insurance company to report an accident claim to have damages assessed and your vehicle repaired.
Comprehensive insurance will typically cover natural disasters that destroy or damage your car. If you live in a location with hurricanes, blizzards, and tornadoes that damage your vehicle, the repairs should be covered by the comprehensive coverage within your auto policy. If you only get the most basic car insurance, you are taking a risk of not having your damages covered in certain situations.
Hopefully, this has been an eye-opener for people who don’t realize how much bad weather affects your driving. Rain, snow, ice, hail, sunshine, and wind are all examples of how nature can take over the road.
Having both collision and comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy and making good driving decisions can help you avoid accidents during these weather events. Never do anything you are uncomfortable with, though.
Think about what you can handle as far as stressful driving situations go, what you can do in these situations, and whether it is wise to chance going out. The weather is out of your control, but your decisions are all on you.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. He wants to help people learn to drive safer in poor weather conditions.