The Safe Driver

When driving conditions deteriorate…

Things happen quickly and without warning at times. I get that. Some things may seem like they happen without warning, but in reality, they can be predicted and therefore an early response can happen. Of course I’m referring to driving and of course I’m referring to driving in poor weather. Let me explain more.

Recently this winter a 70 vehicle pileup occurred. Yes, 70 vehicles were involved in this wreckage. Fortunately, no one was serious injured…this time. But how could it happen? I have a theory. Drivers were putting too much trust in those around them and their vehicle and their abilities. Of all the drivers who travel that freeway daily, only 70 vehicles were involved. I know that sounds like a lot, and it is, but there could have been thousands more.

How would you survive a sudden change in road conditions? It actually starts before the weather turns ugly. Preparing your vehicle for poor weather and road conditions is the first step. Ensuring you have the proper tires on the vehicle and that the tires are properly inflated is a good start. In winter, ensuring you have enough washer fluid, including a spare jug of it in the trunk will ensure you won’t take chances because you can’t see out your windshield. Regular maintenance throughout the year will help to ensure your vehicle is ready to go…and stop. Don’t forget to have regular brake inspections.

Now that your vehicle is ready, let’s ensure you’re mentally ready to tackle extreme weather and road conditions. Remove the distractions that can take your mind away from the driving environment. Leave home or work issues at home or work until you return. Remind your passengers to respect you and the driving task, especially when the weather worsens so they don’t distract you. You need your mind on the driving task while you’re driving and nothing else. Now that your vehicle is ready and you’re mentally ready, it’s time to put it all together with smart driving choices. Learn more of why you can’t multi-task as much as you think HERE.

When the weather creates less than ideal driving conditions, drivers need to adjust their driving techniques. One of the most common driving errors is following too closely. This is a problem even in ideal conditions, let alone poor conditions. Following distance is not measured in car lengths. It’s measured in seconds. Ideal conditions should have 2 seconds of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you while driving in the city. On freeways/highways a minimum should be 3 seconds. But what about poor road conditions? At least double it. And before you ask, most drivers do not take away that space in front of you. You have no idea which vehicle can stop quicker; your vehicle or the vehicle ahead of you. Give yourself a fighting chance to stop. More info about following distance can be found HERE.

When you look at multi-vehicle crashes, they are mostly rear crashes. That’s because drivers are following each other too closely. Don’t blame the road for the crash. If you create that space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, you’ll have a better view ahead to see what the traffic is doing up ahead, you’ll be able to apply your brakes sooner when you brake lights ahead and you’ll give yourself more time to stop of your vehicle slides a bit as you’re braking.

Let’s talk speed. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. If conditions are not ideal, why are you driving the speed limit? Dropping your speed on snow covered road, heavy rainfall or even when visibility is poor such as fog, night or during whiteout conditions in winter gives you more time to see the danger, more time to think about how you respond to it and then time for the actual response.

Drivers also have to remember that 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles give the wheels power to rotate. If the tires you’ve put on those wheels have poor tread or just the wrong types of tires for the conditions, you won’t have the traction you think you have. There are times you don’t want the power. You want the ability to stop and steer. Learn more about 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive HERE.

As kids we were often taught to not trust strangers. If that’s the case, why do we trust the stranger who is driving next to us? Adjust your speed as much as possible to avoid driving next to the vehicle in the lane beside us. Drive beside space. If they begin to slide or skid, they won’t be beside you, which can give them room to control their vehicle again before hitting another vehicle. The same can be said for you. If you attempt to keep space beside your vehicle, you’ll have room to move in case of sliding, skidding or just needing room to move out of the way from the driver skidding behind you. (More info with regards to skid control can be found HERE.) Constantly planning an escape route while driving in poor weather gives you an advantage before you need it. It helps to keep you mentally prepared to tackle deteriorating road conditions. and remember, you could make the decision to either get off the road into a safe place or decide not to drive at all and take a snow day. It may be the smartest driving decision you can make.

**Have a quick listen to this short episode of the “Speed Bumps” podcast as preparing for winter driving is discussed further!