The Most Dangerous Driving Conditions

Whether you drive for work or pleasure, you should pay attention to road conditions and slow down when needed. Driving can become hazardous when the weather turns bad, and some of the most dangerous driving conditions include rain, snow, fog, wind and ice.

Night Driving

Night driving is especially hazardous, as drivers may be tired and visibility is reduced. Headlight glare from oncoming vehicles can also temporarily dazzle drivers. To help, take regular breaks when driving at night and reduce your speed when visibility gets worse.

Hail

Hail can damage a vehicle and make the road surface slippery, and heavy hail can severely reduce visibility. If you are caught in a hailstorm, slow down, use dipped headlights and stay alert to other drivers. If it is safe to do so, consider pulling over until the storm has passed.

Drive Defensively

In any bad weather, use dipped headlights, slow down and pay attention to other drivers, always keeping within the speed limit. Leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front and don’t rush. If conditions become too dangerous, it is better to stop somewhere safe than to push on.

Roadworks and Hazards

Pay particular attention to changing circumstances on the road ahead, slowing down when approaching temporary traffic lights or roadworks, for example. Roadworks vehicles display reflective chevrons, so they should be easier to spot in poor weather and at night. For more details on Chapter 8 livery, visit PVL UK

Heavy Rain

Driving in heavy rain can also lead to serious accidents. It’s best to avoid the roads, but if you must drive, use dipped headlights and reduce your speed, as stopping distances are at least doubled in the wet. Narrow roads, sharp bends and single-track bridges can be particularly dangerous in poor conditions.

Make sure everything on your car is working properly before setting off. Worn tyres reduce grip on wet roads, so check your tread depth, and make sure your wipers are in good condition.

Ice, Snow and Fog

Ice and snow can also pose dangers to drivers. Worn tyres are a major hazard on icy roads. In these conditions, slow down, use the highest gear you can to avoid wheel spin, and brake gently to avoid skidding, as stopping distances can be up to ten times longer on ice. Visibility in snow and fog can also be very poor. Make sure you know where your fog lights are so you can switch them on when visibility drops below 100 metres, and turn them off again when it improves.