Safety Tips for Driving Your Car in Bad Weather

Bad weather adds layers of complexity to every outing. Rain, fog, snow, high winds and seasonal storms can turn a routine drive into a real challenge.

Staying safe during these drives often comes down to preparation, awareness and smart decision-making. By learning a few tips, you can reduce the risk of driving when the skies are unfavorable.

Rain

• Turn on the headlights even during daylight, and use windshield wipers continuously to maintain visibility.
• Reduce speed below normal limits, as wet roads lengthen stopping distances.
• Keep a longer following distance (at least 5 seconds) to allow extra reaction time.
• Watch for signs of hydroplaning. If your car feels like it's floating, gently ease off the accelerator; avoid sudden braking.
• Drive in the tire tracks left by the vehicle ahead, where the water is thinner.
• Avoid puddles and deep standing water, as the water may conceal potholes or debris underneath.
• Avoid using cruise control in heavy rain. It can delay your reaction time in changing conditions.
• Drive With Extra Caution When It's Raining
• Rainy Day Driving Safety Tips
• Driving in the Rain Fact Sheet
• Driving in Rainy Weather

Floods

• Turn around, don't drown: Never attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Even shallow water can hide hazards or sweep a car off course.
• If water is unavoidable, proceed slowly in first gear while maintaining steady momentum to avoid stalling.
• Keep the engine revved slightly to prevent water from entering the exhaust or air intake systems.
• Turn on your hazard lights so others can spot you through the spray and low visibility conditions.
• After emerging from the water, drive cautiously and have your vehicle inspected as soon as you can. Flood exposure can damage brakes, electrical systems and undercarriage components.
• Turn Around, Don't Drown!
• How Do Weather Events Affect Roads?
• Flood Safety
• Seven Flood Safety Tips

Winter Storms

• Equip your vehicle with winter-appropriate tires or chains, as required by law.
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, lights and the roof of your vehicle before driving.
• Use your defrosters and windshield heaters.
• Keep your washer fluid topped up with freeze-resistant formula.
• Anticipate that stopping distances may be up to 10 to 12 times longer on icy roads.
• Use gentle acceleration and smooth steering and avoid harsh braking.
• Be cautious on bridges and in shaded areas, as these tend to freeze first.
• Keep an emergency winter kit in your car (including blankets, warm clothes, flashlight, shovel, traction aids, etc.).
• Winter Weather Driving Safety
• Preventing Injuries and Staying Safe in Winter
• Safety Tips: Driving in Winter Weather
• Defensive Driving in Winter Weather Conditions

Fog

• Use low-beam headlights or fog lights; high beams worsen glare by reflecting off moisture in the air.
• Reduce your speed significantly, and maintain extra space ahead.
• Use road markings as visual guides to stay centered in your lane.
• If visibility is severely limited, pull over to a safe spot off of the road, turn on your hazard lights and wait for conditions to improve.
• Use windshield wipers and defrosters to manage moisture buildup on windows and mirrors.
• Driving Safely in Foggy Conditions
• Fall Weather Safety Tips
• Safety Tips for Driving in Severe Wet Winter Weather
• Safe Driving Tips for Foggy Conditions

Tornadoes

• Avoid driving during tornado warnings if possible.
• Seek sturdy, nearby buildings for shelter rather than staying in the car.
• Do not stop under bridges or overpasses, as they can channel wind and debris, creating dangerous turbulence.
• If caught with no shelter, get out of your vehicle and lie down in a ditch or depression, keeping your distance from the vehicle and covering your head to protect yourself from flying debris.
• Stay informed via weather alerts while on the road. Tornadic weather can evolve quickly.
• Safety Tips While on the Road During Tornadoes
• Tornado Safety Tips
• Tornado Safety

Hurricanes

• Avoid travel during hurricanes unless absolutely necessary.
• Maintain at least a half-full fuel tank in case detours or delays arise.
• Use main roads whenever possible; secondary roads may be blocked by debris or flooding.
• If visibility or control deteriorates, pull off of the road safely and wait out the worst of the storm.
• Watch for fallen trees, power lines or washed-out pavement.
• Understand Forecast Information
• Hurricane Safety Tips
• Staying Safe During a Hurricane
• Hurricane Evacuation Recommended Practices

Thunderstorms

• If there's lightning nearby, being in your car is generally safer than being exposed outdoors.
• Avoid driving under trees, near power lines or in open areas where lightning strikes or falling branches are more likely to occur.
• Reduce your speed in heavy rain, and keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel. Wind gusts can push a vehicle, so remain vigilant.
• If rain or winds intensify to a point where you cannot see the road, pull over in a safe location, turn on your hazard lights and wait until conditions improve.
• How to Drive in a Thunderstorm
• Thunderstorm Safety Checklist
• Tips for Thunderstorm Safety

Weather Preparedness Tips

• Perform regular maintenance on your tires, brakes, lights, wipers and battery before the onset of bad-weather seasons.
• Build and maintain a car emergency kit that includes a flashlight, jumper cables, first-aid supplies, blankets, snacks, water and a phone charger. Add items like a snow brush, ice scraper and shovel in the winter.
• Use real-time weather apps, road condition alerts and traffic updates to pre-plan your route.
• Drive defensively: Avoid distractions, anticipate other drivers' mistakes and stay alert at all times.
• Adjust your speed to the conditions: A safe speed in bad weather may be much slower than the posted limits.
• Always allow extra stopping distance.
• Know your vehicle's safety features and how they behave in low-traction conditions.
• Severe Weather Preparedness
• Weather Preparedness Tips
• Stay Safe from Major Weather Events
• Auto Emergency Preparedness Kit Checklist
• Preparing to Get a Florida Learner's Permit
• Getting Ahead of Winter Emergencies
• Florida Driver Education Courses
• Guide to Emergency Preparedness
• Ohio Teen Driver Training
• Create a Vehicle Emergency Kit
• Virginia Driver Education Online
• Be Prepared for Spring Weather