Category: Transportation

Driving Safely in Rain, Snow & Poor Weather

Weather can change an ordinary trip into a difficult one very quickly. Rain reduces traction, snow hides lane markings, ice increases stopping distance, fog limits visibility, and strong winds can move vehicles or place debris in the road.

The safest choice is sometimes to delay the trip or use another form of transportation. When travel is necessary, preparation matters. Check the forecast, prepare the vehicle, reduce your speed, leave additional space, and remain ready for conditions to change.

Being licensed does not mean you must drive in weather that exceeds your experience or comfort level.

Decide Whether You Should Drive

Before leaving, ask:

• Is the trip necessary right now?
• Are warnings or travel restrictions in effect?
• Have local officials asked people to stay off the roads?
• Are roads treated and open?
• Will conditions become worse before the return trip?
• Is the vehicle equipped for the weather?
• Do I have enough fuel or battery charge?
• Am I comfortable driving in these conditions?
• Is there a safer route?
• Is another transportation option available?

Consider delaying the trip if:

• Freezing rain is occurring
• A blizzard or ice-storm warning is in effect
• Visibility is extremely limited
• Roads are flooding
• Officials recommend avoiding travel
• Your tires or wipers are in poor condition
• The vehicle has a mechanical problem
• You do not feel confident or prepared

Canceling or delaying a trip because the conditions are unsafe is responsible—not a failure.

Check the Forecast and Road Conditions

Review information from:

• The National Weather Service
• Your state transportation department
• Local emergency alerts
• Trusted weather apps
• Local news
• Official road-condition services

Check for:

• Rain or thunderstorms
• Snow accumulation
• Freezing rain
• Ice
• Fog
• High winds
• Flooding
• Temperature changes
• Road closures
• Travel advisories

Pay attention to the timing. A road that is wet in the afternoon could freeze after sunset.

Understand Watches, Warnings, and Advisories

Weather alerts communicate different levels of risk.

In general:

• A watch means hazardous weather is possible.
• An advisory means hazardous conditions are occurring or expected and may cause difficulty.
• A warning means dangerous weather is occurring or expected and action is needed.

The exact meaning depends on the type of weather. Read the full alert instead of relying only on its title.

Follow evacuation orders, road closures, and instructions from public officials.

Prepare the Vehicle

Before poor-weather travel, check:

• Tire pressure
• Tire tread
• Windshield wipers
• Washer fluid
• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• Defroster
• Heater
• Brakes
• Battery
• Fuel or electric charge
• Mirrors
• Emergency supplies

Repair worn tires, ineffective wipers, broken lights, and other safety problems before driving in severe conditions.

Keep the fuel tank reasonably full in winter. Electric-vehicle range may decrease in cold weather, so plan charging stops and maintain a larger reserve.

Clear the Entire Vehicle

Before driving in snow or ice, clear:

• Windshield
• Side windows
• Rear window
• Side mirrors
• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• License plates
• Roof
• Hood
• Trunk or rear hatch

Snow left on the roof can slide over the windshield or blow onto another vehicle. Ice can break loose and create a serious hazard.

Do not rely only on the defroster to create a small opening in the windshield. You need a clear view in every direction.

Carry an Emergency Kit

A poor-weather vehicle kit may include:

• Phone charger
• Portable battery
• Flashlight
• Spare batteries
• Reflective warning equipment
• First-aid supplies
• Blanket
• Warm clothing
• Gloves and hat
• Water
• Shelf-stable snacks
• Ice scraper
• Snow brush
• Small shovel
• Traction material
• Jumper cables or jump pack
• Basic tools
• Tire inflator
• Required medication
• Emergency contact information

Check the kit before each season. Replace expired food, dead batteries, and damaged supplies.

Helpful Resources: Browse Weather & Comfort Supplies for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Tell Someone Your Plan

For a longer trip or severe-weather travel, tell someone:

• Where you are going
• Which route you plan to take
• When you expect to arrive
• When you expect to return
• Who is traveling with you

Keep your phone charged, but do not hold or operate it while driving.

Slow Down

Reducing speed is one of the most important poor-weather driving habits.

Slower driving gives you more time to:

• See hazards
• Respond to traffic
• Stop
• Maintain traction
• Adjust to reduced visibility
• Avoid debris
• Correct a small mistake

The posted speed limit is intended for appropriate conditions. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and wind may require you to travel considerably more slowly.

Do not drive faster simply because another driver is following closely or passing you.

Increase Following Distance

Leave substantially more space between your vehicle and the one ahead.

Poor weather increases the time and distance needed to stop. Extra space also helps when:

• The vehicle ahead brakes suddenly
• Traffic slows unexpectedly
• A driver loses control
• Snow or spray blocks your view
• Debris enters the road
• A traffic signal changes

Avoid driving closely behind trucks and buses. Their tires may create heavy spray, and their size can block your view of the road.

Make Every Movement Smooth

Sudden movements can cause the tires to lose traction.

In poor weather:

• Accelerate gently.
• Brake gradually.
• Turn smoothly.
• Change lanes slowly.
• Avoid sudden steering.
• Reduce speed before curves.
• Leave extra time for every maneuver.

Finish most of your braking before entering a curve. Braking or turning sharply while already in the curve can make the vehicle harder to control.

Avoid Cruise Control

Do not use cruise control when roads are wet, snowy, icy, or otherwise slippery.

Cruise control may:

• Apply power when you need to slow down
• Make it harder to feel traction changes
• Delay your response
• Contribute to wheel spin

Control the accelerator yourself so you can respond immediately to changing conditions.

Driving in Rain

Rain can reduce traction and make it harder to see.

When driving in rain:

• Slow down.
• Turn on the headlights.
• Use the windshield wipers.
• Increase following distance.
• Brake earlier.
• Avoid sudden turns.
• Watch for standing water.
• Stay out of large puddles.
• Keep the windshield clear.
• Avoid distractions.

Roads may be especially slippery when rain begins after a long dry period because water mixes with oil, dust, and debris on the pavement.

Helpful Resources: Browse Rain & Wet Weather for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Use Headlights Properly

Turn on your headlights when rain, snow, fog, or darkness reduces visibility. Many states require headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use.

Do not rely only on automatic headlights. Some systems turn on daytime running lights without activating the rear lights.

Confirm that the full headlights and taillights are on.

Use low beams in fog, heavy snow, and similar conditions. High beams can reflect off moisture or snow and make it more difficult to see.

Understand Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when the tires lose contact with the road and ride on a layer of water.

The risk increases with:

• Higher speeds
• Standing water
• Worn tires
• Improper tire pressure
• Heavy rain

If the vehicle begins to hydroplane:

• Remain calm.
• Ease off the accelerator.
• Keep the steering wheel steady.
• Look and steer in the direction you want to travel.
• Avoid sudden braking.
• Avoid sharp steering.

Regain control before making a major correction.

Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for handling traction loss, especially if the vehicle has specialized safety systems.

Avoid Standing Water

A puddle may hide:

• A pothole
• Road damage
• Debris
• A missing utility cover
• Much deeper water

Drive around standing water when you can do so safely. Do not make a sudden lane change to avoid it.

If you cannot determine the depth, do not enter.

Never Drive Through Floodwater

Do not drive around barricades or into a flooded road.

Floodwater can:

• Be deeper than it appears
• Move a vehicle
• Hide a washed-out roadway
• Stall the engine
• Damage electrical systems
• Trap occupants
• Rise rapidly

Turn around and use another route.

If water begins rising around your vehicle, call 911 and follow instructions from emergency responders. Do not make an improvised escape attempt unless remaining in the vehicle presents a more immediate danger.

Driving During Thunderstorms

Heavy thunderstorms may create:

• Sudden downpours
• Flash flooding
• Hail
• Strong winds
• Falling branches
• Reduced visibility
• Power outages
• Disabled traffic signals

If conditions become overwhelming, leave the road and park in a safe location away from trees, utility poles, flood-prone areas, and traffic.

Avoid stopping:

• Beneath an overpass
• In a travel lane
• On a bridge
• Near standing water
• Under damaged trees or power lines

Remain inside the vehicle during lightning when the vehicle is safely parked.

Driving in Snow

Before driving in snow:

• Clear the vehicle completely.
• Check the road conditions.
• Make sure the tires are appropriate.
• Bring emergency supplies.
• Allow much more travel time.
• Plan a route using treated main roads.

While driving:

• Reduce speed.
• Increase following distance.
• Accelerate gently.
• Brake early.
• Avoid sudden turns.
• Keep the headlights on.
• Watch for covered lane markings.
• Stay away from snowplows.
• Expect intersections, bridges, and ramps to be slippery.

Fresh snow can hide ice underneath it.

Understand Black Ice

Black ice is a thin, difficult-to-see layer of ice that may make the pavement look wet.

It commonly forms:

• On bridges
• On overpasses
• In shaded areas
• Near bodies of water
• During freezing rain
• When wet roads freeze after sunset
• During early morning hours

Signs of possible ice include:

• A shiny road surface
• Other vehicles suddenly slowing
• A temperature near freezing
• A lack of tire spray on a road that appears wet

Slow down before reaching a suspected icy area. Avoid abrupt braking or steering.

Bridges and Overpasses

Bridges and overpasses may freeze before ordinary roads because cold air circulates above and below the surface.

Approach them carefully when:

• Temperatures are near freezing
• Roads are wet
• Freezing rain is occurring
• Snow is falling
• Ice warnings are in effect

Reduce speed before reaching the bridge. Do not wait until you are on it to brake sharply.

Driving on Ice

Ice may make steering and braking extremely limited.

When roads are icy:

• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Drive very slowly.
• Leave a large following distance.
• Use gentle accelerator pressure.
• Avoid sudden braking.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Do not use cruise control.
• Stay away from steep hills when possible.

Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive may help a vehicle begin moving, but they do not allow it to stop normally on ice.

If the Vehicle Begins to Skid

A skid can happen when the tires lose traction.

If the vehicle begins sliding:

• Remain calm.
• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Look toward the safe path you want to follow.
• Steer smoothly in that direction.
• Avoid sudden overcorrection.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes.

The correct response can depend on the vehicle, type of skid, road surface, and safety systems. Review the owner’s manual and consider practicing skid recovery through a qualified defensive-driving program.

Do not practice skids on public roads.

Using the Brakes on Slippery Roads

Most modern passenger vehicles have an antilock braking system, commonly called ABS.

During an emergency stop with ABS:

• Press the brake firmly.
• Maintain pressure.
• Steer toward a safe path if possible.
• Expect the pedal to pulse or vibrate.

Do not repeatedly pump ABS brakes unless the vehicle manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.

Older vehicles without ABS may require a different technique. Check the owner’s manual so you understand the vehicle before an emergency occurs.

Driving Up and Down Hills

On a slippery hill:

• Build only enough momentum to continue upward.
• Avoid stopping partway up when possible.
• Do not accelerate aggressively.
• Leave substantial space.
• Use a lower gear when appropriate.
• Begin slowing before descending.
• Avoid riding the brakes continuously.

If the hill appears unsafe, choose another route.

Do not attempt a steep, icy hill simply because another vehicle made it through.

Give Snowplows Room

Snowplows may:

• Travel slowly
• Stop suddenly
• Extend beyond their visible width
• Create clouds of snow
• Spread salt or sand
• Move between lanes
• Have large blind spots

Stay well behind them. Do not pass unless it is legal, clearly safe, and necessary.

The road behind a plow is usually safer than the untreated road ahead of it.

If You Become Stuck in Snow

If the vehicle becomes stuck:

1. Stop spinning the tires.
2. Turn on hazard lights.
3. Check whether the exhaust pipe is blocked.
4. Clear snow from around the drive wheels.
5. Place approved traction material near the tires.
6. Use gentle accelerator pressure.
7. Rock the vehicle only if the owner’s manual permits it.
8. Call roadside assistance if you cannot leave safely.

Spinning the tires rapidly can dig the vehicle deeper and damage parts of the vehicle.

Do not stand in the roadway while attempting to push a vehicle.

Driving in Fog

Fog can reduce visibility with little warning.

In fog:

• Slow down gradually.
• Use low-beam headlights.
• Increase following distance.
• Use wipers and the defroster.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Do not pass unless absolutely necessary.
• Follow road markings.
• Listen for traffic you cannot see.
• Do not use high beams.

Do not follow another vehicle’s taillights too closely. That driver may leave the roadway or stop suddenly.

If Fog Becomes Too Dense

If you can no longer see well enough to drive safely:

1. Leave the roadway at a safe exit or parking area.
2. Park completely away from moving traffic.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Wait for visibility to improve.

Avoid stopping on the shoulder of a high-speed road unless there is no safer option. Other drivers may mistakenly follow your taillights and strike the vehicle.

If the vehicle becomes disabled, call emergency or roadside assistance and follow their instructions.

Driving in Strong Wind

Strong wind can affect:

• High-profile vehicles
• Trucks
• Buses
• Vans
• Vehicles towing trailers
• Motorcycles
• Lightweight vehicles

Wind may be especially strong:

• On bridges
• In open areas
• Between large buildings
• When passing trucks
• When leaving a protected area
• During severe storms

When driving in wind:

• Reduce speed.
• Keep both hands on the wheel.
• Leave additional space.
• Avoid sudden steering.
• Stay away from large vehicles.
• Watch for debris.
• Expect sudden crosswinds.
• Avoid unnecessary passing.

Be prepared for the vehicle to move when a truck passes or a windbreak ends.

Watch for Debris and Power Lines

Strong weather may bring down:

• Tree branches
• Road signs
• Utility lines
• Construction materials
• Garbage containers
• Roof materials

Do not drive over or approach a downed power line. Assume every line is energized.

Stop at a safe distance, call 911 or the utility company, and use another route.

Do not leave the vehicle if a power line has fallen onto it unless there is an immediate danger such as fire. Follow instructions from emergency responders.

Driving in Extreme Heat

High temperatures can affect both the vehicle and the people inside it.

Before leaving:

• Check the coolant level according to the owner’s manual.
• Check tire pressure.
• Carry water.
• Confirm that the air conditioning works when medically necessary.
• Charge your phone.
• Avoid leaving vulnerable passengers unattended.

Never leave a child, dependent adult, or animal alone in a parked vehicle. Interior temperatures can rise dangerously fast.

Watch the dashboard for overheating warnings. If the engine temperature becomes too high, safely leave the road, turn off the engine, and follow the owner’s manual or call roadside assistance.

Do not open a hot radiator cap.

Driving in Bright Sun and Glare

Low sunlight, wet roads, and snow can create severe glare.

To reduce the problem:

• Clean the windshield.
• Use the sun visor.
• Wear appropriate sunglasses.
• Slow down.
• Increase following distance.
• Avoid looking directly at bright light.
• Use lane markings for guidance.
• Leave additional space near intersections.

Do not continue at normal speed when you cannot see clearly.

If Conditions Suddenly Become Dangerous

Weather may worsen faster than expected.

If you encounter:

• Whiteout snow
• Severe flooding
• Hail
• Tornado warnings
• Extreme wind
• Dense fog
• Falling trees
• Debris
• Near-zero visibility

Do not panic or stop suddenly in a travel lane.

Reduce speed smoothly, turn on appropriate lights, and leave the road at the nearest safe location. Follow official emergency guidance for the specific hazard.

If You Become Stranded

If the vehicle becomes disabled during severe weather:

1. Move as far from traffic as possible.
2. Turn on hazard lights.
3. Call 911 for immediate danger.
4. Contact roadside assistance.
5. Share your exact location.
6. Remain with the vehicle when it is the safest shelter.
7. Use emergency supplies.
8. Conserve phone power.
9. Follow instructions from emergency responders.

In winter, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide entering the vehicle.

Do not run the engine in an enclosed area. If using the engine for warmth while stranded outdoors, follow official emergency guidance, maintain ventilation, and remain alert for signs of carbon monoxide exposure.

Do not leave the vehicle to walk for help during a severe storm unless remaining there creates a greater immediate danger and you know exactly where you are going.

Recognize Carbon Monoxide Warning Signs

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless.

Possible symptoms include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Unusual sleepiness

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure:

• Turn off the engine.
• Move to fresh air if it is safe.
• Call 911.
• Seek immediate medical help.

Do not ignore symptoms or assume you are simply tired.

Prepare for the Return Trip

Conditions may be very different later in the day.

Before beginning the return trip:

• Check the forecast again.
• Review road closures.
• Clear the vehicle.
• Confirm fuel or battery level.
• Check that lights and wipers work.
• Allow additional time.
• Tell someone when you are leaving.

If the weather has worsened, stay where you are or arrange another transportation option when possible.

Practice Before Severe Weather

Do not use a dangerous storm as your first opportunity to learn how the vehicle handles.

You can prepare by:

• Learning the vehicle’s controls
• Reading the owner’s manual
• Practicing braking in ordinary conditions
• Learning how to activate the defroster
• Knowing how the headlights work
• Finding the hazard-light control
• Taking a defensive-driving course
• Learning how the vehicle’s ABS and traction-control systems operate

Any practice involving reduced traction should occur only through a qualified program in a controlled environment.

Final Thoughts

Poor-weather driving requires more time, more space, and fewer sudden movements. Prepare the vehicle, check official conditions, reduce your speed, increase following distance, and keep your full attention on the road.

Do not allow another driver, an appointment, or the fear of being late to pressure you into unsafe travel. Turning around, delaying the trip, or choosing another transportation option is always better than continuing when you cannot see or control the vehicle safely.

Weather can change quickly. Continue evaluating the conditions throughout the trip and be willing to change your plan when safety requires it.

Related Guides

• Safe Driving Habits for Everyday Travel
• Understanding Basic Road Signs & Traffic Rules
• Planning a Trip Before You Leave
• Estimating Travel Time & Knowing When to Leave
• Basic Car Maintenance Every Driver Should Know
• What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down
• What to Do When You’re Running Late
• Checking the Weather & Dressing Appropriately
• When Is It an Emergency?
• What to Do During a Minor Emergency at Home
• Making Decisions When You’re Unsure
• Asking for Help When You Need It