Tips for Driving in Extreme Weather

January 15, 2025||inPersonal Insurance|auto insurance, car insurance, driving safety, general safety, good driving habits, personal insurance, road safety, safety, safety tips, winter, winter driving, winter weather

Driving in adverse weather conditions can be downright nerve-wracking. It can also be very dangerous. Being aware of how to modify your driving during heavy rain, snow and fog can help you stay calm and safe during your journey. Consider the following tips when driving in extreme weather.

Car in snow
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain

  • Clean ice and snow off your windows, hood and trunk before departing.
  • Drive with extreme caution and at reduced speeds.
  • Do not brake quickly as you may spin out of control.

Rain and Thunderstorms

  • Turn on your headlights, wipers and defroster to increase visibility.
  • Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you and reduce your speed.
  • If you hydroplane, hold the steering wheel straight and remove your foot from the gas.

Fog

  • Slow down before you reach a patch of fog in front of you.
  • Use only your low beams or fog lights and put on your defroster and wipers to increase visibility.
  • If the fog is extremely thick, roll down all of your windows to hear other vehicles around you.

Tornadoes

  • If you are driving during a tornado, do not try to outrun it. Focus on finding a safe place to protect yourself while the tornado passes. Follow these best practices:
    • If the tornado forms in the distance, drive to a nearby public building (e.g., a bank or restaurant) and seek shelter.
    • If the tornado forms nearby, safely pull over to the side of the road, duck below your vehicle’s windows, keep your seat belt fastened and cover your head with your hands or a blanket.
    • If the tornado forms nearby and you have exited your vehicle, take cover in a low-lying ditch and cover your head with your hands or a blanket.

The Dangers of Tailgating in Rain or Snow

Apart from these top tips, allow extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of you when driving in snow or rain, seeing as you will need between three and 12 times the amount of stopping distance that you would normally need without any precipitation.

For additional safety tips check out our other blog posts. For an auto insurance quote or other insurance assistance, contact us today.

Read Other Blog Posts

Life Insurance in Groton, MA Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Life Insurance in Groton, MA: Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Read more
Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem—it’s a growing concern across MetroWest, Massachusetts. Whether you live in Framingham, Hudson, or Hopkinton, you may be surprised to learn your home is at risk. Learn how flood insurance can help protect your property from the damage that standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover.
Read more
Roundabout

Safe Driving Saves Money

For better or worse, your automobile insurance premium is a direct result of your driving record. While you can’t always prevent every accident or control what happens on the road, safe driving is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect both yourself and your finances. Keep reading to learn how maintain a safe driving record can lower your premium, and—as a result—protect your wallet.
Read more
Car driving

Buying a Car? Don’t Forget the Insurance Quote First!

Shopping for a new car can be exciting, but it’s crucial to check in with your agent before finalizing your purchase. Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to insurance costs. Two cars might look similar on the outside, but one could cost you hundreds more per year to insure.
Read more
Shovel

Digging on Your Property? Here’s Why “Dig Safe” Should Be Your First Step

Under federal and state law, all homeowners and contractors are required to notify the appropriate utility companies before doing any excavation work. Keep reading to learn more about the standards for digging on your property.
Read more
What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Groton MA

What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Acton, MA

If you own a condo in Acton, MA, don’t assume the condo association’s master policy fully protects you. That policy typically covers the building’s exterior and shared spaces, but not the inside of your unit. Without your own Condominium Insurance, you could be on the hook for costly repairs to your walls, floors, or fixtures and replace personal belongings damaged by fire, water, or theft. It’s essential protection that helps ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket when the unexpected happens.
Read more
Sparkler 1200

Summer Fun and 4th of July Safety: Celebrating Smart

Summer is a time for BBQs, fireworks, family gatherings, and making the most of long days. Whether you’re heading to the beach, firing up the grill, or watching fireworks with the kids, safety should always be part of your celebration plans. After all, the best memories are the ones made without unexpected trips to the ER. Here’s a quick guide to help you enjoy your Independence Day and summer activities — while keeping everyone safe and sound.
Read more
Lightning

Lightning Storm Safety

Lightning storms light up the sky in dramatic fashion, but they’re also dangerous. A lightning strike can cause major injuries like burns, heart issues, or even brain damage. That’s why it’s important to know how to stay safe when one rolls into your area. Follow these helpful tips to help you stay safe.
Read more
Car in traffic

Risks of Lowering Auto Coverage

Many drivers look to reduce their auto insurance premiums by lowering coverage or dropping parts of their policy altogether. While it’s true that cutting back can save a few dollars in the short term, the long-term consequences of being underinsured can be financially devastating—especially in the aftermath of a serious accident. Learn about ways you can save without exposing yourself to major financial risk.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.