Rain

• Rain is probably one of the biggest culprits for accidents, especially when it first starts to rain after a long dry spell. Oil and other petroleum products build up on the road, becoming very slick when it first gets wet. Slow down, especially around sharp turns. Give yourself more driving distance from the other cars and give yourself a longer braking distance. Also, turn on your lights, even in the daylight, so that the other cars can see you.
  
  

Snow

• Snow is another big problem for driving because not only does it make the road slick, it can cover up icy spots and build up on car windows, which reduces visibility. It also can build up on lights, making it hard for you to see and be seen. Slow down even more in snow than you would in rain and give yourself more distance between cars and when trying to stop. Keep your windows and your lights (both front and back) clear of snow and clear all snow off your roof, trunk and hood to prevent snow from flying off your car and into your windshield or the windshield of other drivers.
  
  

Ice

• Ice is the worst type of road condition and should be avoided at all costs, especially if you don't have studded snow tires or tire chains that may allow you to get some traction on the ice, depending on how thick it is. During the winter, make sure to check with a weather or road condition service before you go for a drive to see if there are areas you need to avoid. When the temperature is near freezing, don't be fooled into thinking the road is safe even if it looks dry. Ice can still build up on bridges over water or in shaded areas, so slow down in these areas.
  
  

Potholes, Dips and Bumps

• Potholes, dips and bumps can all cause accidents by causing you to lose contact with the road if you are traveling too fast when you drive over one. Watch for road signs warning of large dips or bumps. If you are going too fast when encountering one of these, don't swerve wildly or slam on your brakes to avoid it. This can cause a much worse accident than driving over it. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and firmly press on the brakes while holding the steering wheel firmly with both hands before hitting the obstacle. Take your foot off the brake before you hit the obstacle to retain control of the car. Also, if you go by one large pothole, it is a good bet there would be more in the same area, so slow down and watch carefully for them.
  
  

Unpaved Roads

• Unpaved roads can also cause traction problems even in ideal weather during the day. Combined with rain or snow, these roads are accidents waiting to happen and probably should be avoided. Always drive slower than you would if the road was paved and be more cautious about passing other cars. Also, give yourself more distance between you and the car in front of you. This not only will help you avoid an accident, but will lessen the impact on your car if the car in front of you kicks up a loose rock.