Driving in rain, snow and fog

Bad weather does not change the rules of the road, but it changes what is safe. The posted limit assumes ideal conditions; in rain, snow or fog the safe speed is lower — sometimes far lower. Slow down, leave more space, and make yourself easy to see.

Rain and hydroplaning

Rain cuts your grip, and at speed on standing water your tires can lose contact with the road and skim across it — hydroplaning. If it happens, do not brake hard or steer sharply. Ease off the gas, keep the wheel steady, and let the car slow until the tires grip again. The first rain after a dry spell is the most slippery, as it lifts oil from the road.

Snow, ice and skids

On snow and ice, everything takes longer — accelerating, turning and especially stopping. Be gentle with every input. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so treat them as icy even when the rest of the road looks clear. If you start to skid, look and steer where you want to go, and ease off the gas rather than stamping the brake.

Fog and low visibility

• Use low beams
  High beams reflect off fog and glare back at you — low beams (or fog lights) see better.
• Slow to a speed you can stop within
  Never drive faster than the distance you can actually see.
• Following distance
  Increase it to three seconds or more so you have time to react.
• Be seen
  Turn your headlights on in rain, snow, fog or any low light — daytime running lights alone do not light your tail lights.