Bad driving conditions can rattle even the most experienced driver. Whether it's adverse weather, heavy traffic, or a mixture of both, dangerous conditions can cause anyone to second-guess their instincts and make poor decisions. Stay calm, and take extreme care to ensure the safety of everyone in and around your vehicle.
Rain and Ice
Nearly 30% of run-off-the-road accidents in the United States are caused by wet conditions. Extreme rain reduces visibility and increases hydroplaning risk — slow down when rain begins to fall. Ice, especially black ice, greatly increases accident risk. Bridges, overpasses, and tunnels are particularly slippery due to lack of direct sunlight. Request a rental with four-wheel drive in icy areas, and always clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
Snow, Hail, and Limited Visibility
- Heavy snow reduces visibility and impacts stopping distances significantly
- The first small snowfall after a dry spell can increase accident likelihood immensely
- Slow down, avoid sharp turns, and leave plenty of space between vehicles
- Hail can damage your vehicle and create dangerous road conditions — seek cover if possible
- If caught in severe weather, turn on headlights, slow down, and treat intersections as stop signs
Heavy Traffic
Road rage and impatience are common in traffic jams — and major contributors to rush-hour accidents. Losing your cool only leads to problems. Stay calm, use your turn signal, and avoid sudden lane changes. Using caution and good judgment when faced with heavy traffic will greatly improve your chances of arriving safely and unscathed.
The best way to stay safe in bad conditions is to slow down, stay alert, and give yourself extra time. When conditions are truly severe, pull over and wait it out.
Review our rental car safety tips and plan a safer journey in any weather.