How Weather Affects Driving, and What to Do About It

Weather isn’t just small talk; it’s a key part of safe driving. Rain, heat, fog, or even mild drizzle can change how your car behaves and how you react. At SafeWay Driving, we teach drivers to anticipate those changes, whether through structured lessons or parent-taught practice. Let’s dive into how weather affects driving and what steps you can take to stay in control.

1. Rain: Slick Roads and Wiper Wisdom

Houston’s sudden thunderstorms and College Station’s summer showers bring slick roads and visibility issues. Water mixes with oil on the pavement, reducing tire grip and increasing stopping distances.

When roads get wet, your braking distance can nearly double. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, wet conditions raise crash risk by over 30%. As a result, during rain:

• Slow down significantly.

• Maintain at least 4 seconds of following distance (rather than the recommended 2 seconds or more).

• Use headlights (but not high beams) to improve visibility without glare.

Additionally, ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition. If they streak, squeak, or miss spots, it’s time to replace them. Ideally, before storms hit. In the hot Texas sun, windshield wipers may need to be replaced every 6 months.

2. Heatwaves: Guarding Your Car’s Health

Texas heat can strain your car’s cooling system, tires, and even its drivers. On scorching days, poorly maintained engines are more likely to overheat, and tires can blow out.

Here’s how to handle high temperatures:

• Check the coolant level and top off if needed.

• Monitor your temperature gauge; pull over if it starts to overheat.

• Inspect tires for proper pressure, as heat increases tire pressure and wear.

• Never leave pets or children in parked cars during the summer. They can reach dangerous temperatures in minutes.

At SafeWay Driving, we teach students to include a quick pre-drive car check into their routine, especially before long drives in the summer heat. 

3. Fog & Heavy Mist: Keeping Sight In Low Visibility

Fog and mist turn the road into a mystery movie: shadows and shapes everywhere, clarity nowhere. With visibility less than 500 feet, the likelihood of a crash increases sharply.

In fog:

• Drive slowly and use low-beam headlights or fog lights to improve visibility. Do NOT use your high beams.

• Activate defrosters and wipers to maintain visibility if needed.

• Use road reflectors or right-edge markers to guide you.

• Avoid stopping on the road; instead, pull off safely if visibility becomes unsafe.

Professional driving lessons, such as those offered by SafeWay Driving, provide students with the experience and training to navigate low-visibility conditions with expert guidance. 

4. Windy Days: Holding Steady on the Highway

Texas windstorms and gusts off the Gulf can push cars sideways or blow debris across your lane.

Here’s how to deal with heavy wind:

• Keep both hands on the wheel and tighten your grip.

• Watch out for high-profile vehicles, such as 18-wheelers and vans, that may sway.

• Reduce speed and drift toward the center of your lane.

• Stay alert for tree debris or loose materials blown onto the road.

5. Nighttime: Cool Temperatures, Cold Roads

After sunset, temperatures drop, and so does visibility. Cooler roads may also stay damp longer, causing slick conditions even if it’s not currently raining.

To drive safely at night:

• Always use headlights. Use your high beams when you're away from other drivers, and switch back to low beams when you're near traffic.

• Keep your windshield clean; headlights glare on dirt.

• Scan farther ahead. At highway speeds, visibility can be limited.

• Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights; glance at the right-edge marker.

SafeWay Driving schedules lessons at night in low-light conditions to build confidence. Additionally, the state of Texas requires 10 hours of night driving to be completed before a minor can get their license.

6. Combined Conditions: Rain + Heat = Surprise Hazards

Texas loves combo weather like a hot day followed by rain. That’s prime time for slippery roads and sudden crashes. 

In combined conditions:

• Adjust speed for reduced tire grip.

• Stay further behind traffic to allow braking room.

• Avoid braking or brake slowly before turning to prevent skidding.

• Flash hazard lights if you suddenly slow for unexpected slick spots. 

Why Weather Prep Boosts Safety

Whether-related crashes rank among the top causes of highway accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 15% of crashes occur in rain or shortly after with wet pavement. An additional 25,000 crashes occur each year due to fog. Combined, over a million crashes are attributed to weather-related conditions.

By preparing for adverse weather by practicing:

• You strengthen your skills and instincts.

• You minimize stress during adverse conditions.

• You lower your risk of a weather-related crash.

How SafeWay Driving Helps You Weather The Storm

At SafeWay Driving, we provide training that combines practical lessons.

We offer:

• Refresher lessons for rain, fog, and wind driving.

• Defensive driving strategies under different conditions.

• In-car experience with dual-control, so students learn with confidence.

If you’ve already used parent-taught lessons, add a session with an instructor experienced in weather prep.

Being Weather-Wise Starts Before You Drive

Weather affects your drive even before you turn the key. Use these strategies:

• Check weather apps

• Update your route if severe weather is expected.

• Allow extra travel time. Rainy or icy conditions slow down the roads.

• Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained. Check your wipers, tires, and lights before the storm approaches.

Final Thoughts: Drive Smart, Not Hard

The weather doesn’t need to be fearsome. It just needs respect and preparation. Whether through parent-taught lessons or professional instruction from SafeWay Driving, preparing for rain, wind, fog, heat, and nighttime conditions enables you to drive confidently and safely.

Your car and brain work together. Give them both the training they need, and you’ll stay steady, no matter what the Texas weather brings.

Want to build weather-related driving skills? Contact SafeWay Driving to schedule a test-prep session or lessons in Houston or College Station. Let’s drive stronger, together.