What Drivers Need to Know
- Vision changes matter: Glare recovery and judging distance get harder in rain or fog.
- Virginia Headlight Law: Headlights must be on whenever your wipers are running.
- Increase your safety cushion: Double your following distance and brake earlier.
- Know your safety tech: Understand your ABS and stability control to prevent panic.
- Check before you go: Use the VDOT 511 app for live road conditions and plow updates.
Introduction
You may have driven your route home a thousand times. But when a sudden thunderstorm rolls in off the coast, or a thick morning fog settles over the highway, even the most familiar streets can suddenly feel unpredictable. Rain, snow, and low visibility change how your car handles and how well you can see other drivers.
As we get older, our eyes take a little longer to adjust to glare, and our reaction times can slow down. This can make bad weather driving more taxing than it used to be. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments to your driving habits and an understanding of the state resources available to you, you can navigate changing weather with confidence.
How Weather Affects Your Vision
Even if your eyesight feels perfect on a sunny afternoon, inclement weather presents unique challenges. Raindrops on the windshield scatter light, fog reduces contrast, and wet roads can act like a giant mirror for oncoming headlights.
For older drivers, these conditions can be especially fatiguing. You might notice that it takes your eyes a few extra seconds to recover from the glare of bright headlights, or that it’s harder to spot the painted edge of the lane in heavy rain. Acknowledging these natural changes is the first step to staying safe. If you find yourself straining to see the road during a storm, it’s a sign to slow down and give yourself extra space.
Simple Adjustments for a Safer Drive
When you do need to head out in less-than-ideal conditions, adjusting your driving habits can make all the difference.
- Slow down and space out: Reduce your speed and double your following distance.
- Turn on your headlights: Virginia law requires headlights to be on whenever your wipers are running.
- Ditch cruise control: Avoid using it on wet or icy roads to prevent hydroplaning.
- Minimize distractions: Turn down the radio and limit passenger conversation.
How Your Car’s Safety Tech Works in the Rain
Modern vehicles are equipped with technology designed specifically to keep you safe in bad weather, but these systems only help if you know how they work.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): If you have to brake hard on a slippery road, your ABS will automatically pump the brakes faster than a human could, preventing your wheels from locking up. When ABS engages, the brake pedal will vibrate or pulsate aggressively against your foot, and you may hear a grinding noise. Do not let go! Keep your foot firmly pressed on the pedal and continue to steer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system uses sensors to detect if your car is beginning to spin out or slide sideways on a wet road. It automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels to help you regain control and stay in your lane.
Winter Weather: Navigating Snow and Ice
When temperatures drop below freezing, driving requires extra caution.
- Beware of black ice: If it is below freezing and the road looks wet, assume it is ice.
- Bridges freeze first: Approach overpasses cautiously and avoid slamming on the brakes.
- Give plows room: Stay well behind VDOT snowplows and never pass on the right.
Planning Ahead with VDOT 511 Virginia
One of the most important skills an experienced driver possesses is good judgment. If the forecast looks grim, the safest choice is often choosing to delay your trip or stay home. Rescheduling an appointment, running an errand the next day, or asking a friend for a ride might be the best move.
If you must travel, Virginia has excellent tools to help you plan. Before you leave, download the free 511 Virginia app on your smartphone or visit 511Virginia.org. This system allows you to:
- View live traffic cameras along your route.
- Check for weather-related road closures, accidents, and delays.
- Track the live locations of VDOT snow plows during winter storms to see which roads have been cleared.
Get Your Car Weather-Ready
Your car is your first line of defense against the elements. Before the heavy rains of spring or the ice of winter arrive, give your vehicle a quick checkup:
Check your wipers: Windshield wipers degrade over time. If yours are leaving streaks or skipping across the glass, it’s time to replace them.
Inspect your tires: Tires with low tread cannot grip on a wet or snowy road effectively. Ensure your tires have a healthy tread and are inflated to the pressure listed in your owner’s manual.
Clean your glass: Keep the inside and outside of your windshield, windows, and mirrors clean. Dirt and film on the glass can severely worsen the glare from headlights and streetlamps.
FAQ
Should I use my high beams in the fog? No. High beams will reflect off of the moisture in the fog, creating a wall of glare that makes it even harder to see. Use your low beams and, if your vehicle is equipped with them, your fog lights.
What should I do if my car starts hydroplaning? If you feel your car sliding on wet pavement, do not slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel. Take your foot off the gas pedal and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go until your tires regain traction.
How can I reduce the glare from headlights at night or in the rain? If a vehicle with high beams is approaching, safely slow down a little and try not to look directly at the headlights. If blinded, look slightly to the right side of the road without completely taking your eyes off the road.
Is the 511 Virginia app difficult to use? Not at all. The app functions very similarly to standard map applications on your phone. You can easily toggle different features on and off, such as seeing where traffic is moving slowly, where roadwork is happening, or where there are weather advisories.
Why does my brake pedal vibrate when I stop on snow? That vibration is your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) working exactly as it should. It is rapidly pumping the brakes to prevent your tires from locking up and skidding. Keep your foot pressed firmly on the pedal. Do not pump the brakes yourself.
Does Virginia GrandDriver offer resources to help me assess my driving? Yes! Virginia GrandDriver provides resources, including access to free CarFit events where trained professionals can help you adjust your mirrors and seat to ensure you have the best possible visibility in all weather conditions.