3 Tips For Road Tripping During Extreme Weather

While a road trip can be a great way to see a country or area in a more intimate manner, being on the road for an extended period of time can also present some problems. From mechanical issues to boredom and car accidents, there are all types of dangers that could befall you while on a road trip if you’re not careful. So to help ensure that you and your passengers are safe no matter what conditions you’re driving in, here are three tips for road tripping during extreme weather.

Keep Your Distance and Slow Down

Although it’s always important that you don’t tailgate the vehicle in front of you and that you obey the speed limit for the road you’re traveling on, these details are even more important if you’re driving during inclement weather. According to Real Simple, you should keep at least 100 yards between you and the car in front of you if you’re driving in snow, ice, or fog. Additionally, if the road is slippery, wet, or otherwise dangerous, you should decrease your driving speed below the suggested speed limit. Even if the vehicles around you aren’t following these guidelines, by sticking to them yourself, you have a greater chance of staying safe and having the time you need to react to anything that happens around you.

Stay Away From Towing Vehicles

Driving near other vehicles can make situations more dangerous during extreme weather, especially if those drivers aren’t being as careful as they should be. To mitigate as much risk as possible when driving around other cars, Drive-Safely.net recommends that you stay away from vehicles that are towing things, like big trucks. These types of vehicles are hard to control even in the best of circumstances. So if it’s particularly windy or the roads are slick, make sure you’re steering clear of these larger vehicles and their loads.

What To Do If You End Up Off The Road

Even if you’re driving as safely as you can and are taking all the necessary precautions, you still might end up getting into some sort of trouble when on the road during bad weather. In the event that you do end up off the road, Ed Grabianowski, a contributor to How Stuff Works, shares that you should turn your lights off if the weather around you makes visibility hard. Because many drivers look for the lights of other cars when it’s hard to see, having your lights on when you’re off the road could result in you causing more harm to yourself or others around you.

If you ever find yourself road tripping when the weather’s bad, consider using the tips mentioned above to keep yourself and others as safe as you can.