A Guide To Handling Difficult Driving Conditions

Driving is not just about getting from point A to point B—it's a complex task that requires constant attention and adaptability, especially when road conditions are less than ideal. While most people love a smooth, straight highway under a clear sky, reality often presents conditions that require extra care to make it safely to your destination.

Learn more about a few specific road conditions that call for heightened vigilance behind the wheel.

By their very nature, winding roads present unique challenges to drivers due to their complex layout. Unlike straight roads, these paths are filled with sharp bends and unexpected twists that can obstruct your view of oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or even wildlife crossing the road.

Your ability to see what's ahead is compromised, often leaving you with little time to react to any unexpected event. The risk is even higher at night or during adverse weather conditions, where visibility is further reduced and the road surface may be compromised.

Moreover, winding roads are often in hilly or mountainous areas, adding the element of sudden altitude changes to the mix. These roads can be narrow with limited shoulder space, making it difficult for drivers to navigate, particularly at high speeds.

The constant turning can also put additional strain on your vehicle, especially the brakes and tires. As such, maintaining a suitable speed and being aware of your surroundings is crucial when navigating these challenging paths.

Wet roads can pose a significant risk to drivers due to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water is between your vehicle's tires and the road, causing your car to lose traction. This loss of traction can lead to the vehicle skidding or sliding uncontrollably, becoming a hazard to the driver and others on the road.

Wet roads also tend to be more slippery at the beginning of a rain shower as the rain mixes with oil and dirt on the road surface. This reduces tire friction significantly, making the vehicle harder to control, especially at higher speeds. Braking distances also increase on wet surfaces, so drivers need to maintain a larger gap between their vehicle and the one in front.

Aside from hydroplaning, wet roads present other challenges. For instance, road markings and traffic signals can become harder to see—either because of the water on the windshield or because they get obscured by spray from other vehicles.

Rain can also affect visibility, especially in heavy downpours or if combined with poor light conditions, like at dusk or dawn. This becomes more dangerous as you drive faster since reacting to a potential hazard takes longer.