The Ultimate Guide to Driving Safely in Inclement Weather Conditions

That’s why automotive manufacturers have equipped vehicles with numerous advanced features and technologies, such as rear traffic alert and self-drying mirrors, to ensure the utmost safety for drivers and passengers.

Automatic Mirror and Rear Window Demisters

When driving in the rain, water can easily accumulate on the rearview mirrors and rear window, obstructing the driver’s view. Therefore, the mirror demister feature and automatic rear window demister are considered a “lifesaver” for drivers, as they eliminate water buildup and ensure better visibility while driving.

Hill-Start Assist and Downhill Assist

In hilly or mountainous areas with stormy weather conditions, vehicles may skid or slide. This is where the hill-start assist (HSA) feature comes into play, helping drivers maintain better control of the steering wheel. When the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator, the system stabilizes the vehicle by holding its position for up to 3 seconds.

On the other hand, downhill assist helps control the vehicle’s speed when descending steep slopes, reducing the need for continuous braking, which can cause brake overheating and oil boiling, leading to brake locking or even failure.

With these two features, drivers can confidently navigate uphill and downhill slopes without worry.

Blind Spot Warning

Heavy rain and strong winds can obstruct the driver’s view, making it difficult to observe approaching objects or vehicles. The blind spot warning feature utilizes cameras, radar, or ultrasonic sensors to detect vehicles that the driver cannot see beside or behind the car. Some systems also provide audio alerts to help drivers avoid collisions in blind spots, especially during lane changes, overtaking, or being overtaken.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

During stormy weather, when visibility is limited, and reversing is challenging, the rear cross-traffic alert feature becomes crucial.

This system relies on corner sensors installed on the left and right sides of the rear bumper, emitting radar signals. When the vehicle is in reverse, the system automatically activates, and the sensors start scanning the left and right areas at the rear of the vehicle to detect approaching objects or vehicles. The range of the system may vary depending on the manufacturer’s design, but the sensors typically scan a range of 20 to 30 meters.

If the system identifies an object within this range as a potential threat to the vehicle’s safety, it alerts the driver through visual and auditory signals, such as displaying a warning on the instrument cluster, flashing the blind-spot warning lights, or emitting a beeping sound.

Lane Keeping Assist System

Driving on highways in stormy weather can make it challenging to maintain the correct lane.

This is where the lane-keeping assist system comes into play, alerting the driver with visual or auditory cues if the vehicle deviates from its lane, helping them steer back into the correct lane.

Additionally, some vehicles are equipped with other features that provide maximum support for drivers in stormy weather conditions, such as Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Along with these in-built vehicle features, drivers should also develop skills to handle emergency situations when driving in stormy weather.

Use Low-Beam Headlights Instead of High Beams

While high-beam headlights provide better illumination than low beams, they can cause glare in rainy conditions. Therefore, drivers should opt for low beams or auto lights, along with fog lights, to ensure better visibility while driving and help other drivers spot and avoid them.

Additionally, using hazard lights can alert oncoming traffic and vehicles behind, reducing the risk of accidents in stormy weather.

Avoid Sudden Acceleration, Braking, and Steering

When driving in the rain, it’s crucial to avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and abrupt steering. Instead, anticipate braking situations and reduce speed gradually. Due to slippery roads, the braking distance may be longer, so early braking can prevent or reduce the risk of accidents caused by sudden stops. Hard braking on wet roads can also cause tire skidding, leading to loss of control and affecting the ability of drivers behind to react in time.

Additionally, when driving in the rain, it’s advisable to use lower gears. Lower gears provide higher torque, making it easier to navigate obstacles on the road and accelerate when necessary.

Stop Driving and Find Shelter in Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

In reality, driving in stormy weather is extremely dangerous. If it’s not necessary, avoid driving, and find a safe place to park until the weather improves. Especially in severe weather conditions with limited visibility, choose a suitable location to stop and ensure your safety and that of other road users.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)

Illustrative image: Internet