Driving conditions can change quickly, but knowing how to protect yourself can make a big difference in surviving an accident, fire, flood or severe storm. Consumer Reports lays out some basic ways to stay safe when things get tough.

Bad weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow or ice can lead to a chain reaction accident. Low visibility makes it difficult for drivers to see ahead. Cars also take longer to stop on wet roads, so slowing down and leaving more space between you and other vehicles can help keep you safe.

Pay attention to drivers around you, especially those following too closely. In slippery conditions, ease off the throttle to slow down rather than applying the brakes forcefully, which can cause skidding.

There are other scary car situations where Consumer Reports says knowing what to do can make the difference between life and death. Although less common than decades ago, there are still an average of 400 passenger vehicle fires every day. If it happens to you, act quickly. If you smell smoke or see flames, it is very important to pull over immediately. When you stop, turn off the car, exit the vehicle, stay at least 100 feet away, and call 911. Trying to extinguish a fire yourself, especially without the right extinguisher, can be a fatal mistake.

Consumer Reports also recommends staying away from the front and rear of the car to avoid flying debris. It is safer to stay upwind to avoid breathing harmful gases, and it is safer to stay behind a guardrail or out of the way in case another car hits the vehicle.

Then there is a flood. Flooded roads are more dangerous than they seem. Just 12 inches of water can sweep away a small car, and 2 feet of water can move larger vehicles. Even a small puddle can cause you to lose control, so it’s important to be careful.

The best advice is to avoid wading through standing water, as it is often difficult to gauge the depth of water. Turn around and take a different route or stay home until the weather improves. Besides personal risk, floodwaters can damage your engine and electronics; sometimes it can leave your car beyond repair.

These events can be costly, but the right insurance can protect you. Comprehensive coverage covers fires or floods, while collision coverage covers repairs after an accident. It is also important to have uninsured motorist coverage in case the other driver does not have adequate insurance. Some states require this.

Copyright 2024 QUOTA. All rights reserved.