A car is a comfortable means of transport but it’s also a big responsibility for a driver, especially in bad weather. According to statistics, more than 1,200,000 car accidents happen every year in the US due to bad weather. Fog, rain, snow, and sleet are the main reasons driving becomes dangerous, and drivers lose control of their vehicles.

Bright Side wants to help us learn how to drive when the weather outside is brewing.

1. In fog

If you are driving in a fog, the side windows of your car should be kept down so that you can hear what’s happening outside better. Besides that, turn on your low beams instead of your high beams. When using high beams, the light will reflect in the tiniest particles of the fog, which could confuse you while driving.

2. On a slippery road

When driving on a slippery road, pay attention when going up and down bridges. As a rule, the sand-salt mixture comes off quickly from them and that’s why they represent an increased source of danger for cars.

3. During rain

A large British insurance company doesn’t recommend using rear fog lights because they can mask the brake lights of your car and thus, confuse drivers behind you. Also, coming up to a big puddle, it’s better to stop the car in front of it and try to measure it to be sure that you can cross it.

It’s okay if there is a line of other cars behind you — by measuring the puddle you’ll help other drivers to overcome the obstacle too.

4. During the rain, at night

If you happen to be driving in heavy rain at night, keep in mind that raindrops on the windshield refract light and can blind you as the driver. Additionally, strong rain flows also create a reflecting screen when they are lit. That’s why it’s better to regulate your headlights so that their beams don’t go upward.

5. Snowbanks

If you end up in a snow mound on the curb of the road in winter, don’t steer the wheel in the opposite direction. It’s necessary to keep the steering wheel turned to the same direction and get back to the road by constantly pressing the gas.

6. During a dust storm

In order to get to your destination safely during a dust storm, among many other recommendations, experts recommend leaving the road, parking the car on the shoulder, and keeping its headlights switched off. Otherwise, other vehicles might mistakenly take your car’s lights for moving traffic and bump into it.

Have you ever had to drive in bad weather? Are you aware of other useful tricks? Please share them with us in the comments!

Please note: This article was updated in April 2022 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.1