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Home Blog Tips to Survive a Solo Road Trip in Bad Weather
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Tips to Survive a Solo Road Trip in Bad Weather

  • 18th June 2025
  • Jules
Bad weather driving
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In spite of significant improvements in vehicle safety technology, road accidents continue rising globally. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1.19 million lives are lost annually due to road traffic crashes. 

Meanwhile, another research reveals that over 5.8 million vehicle crashes occur yearly, with nearly 1.2 million being weather-related incidents.

Does this stop you from taking that solo road trip across the Scottish Highlands or the scenic coastal roads of the French Riviera? The fear of unpredictable weather conditions should never prevent you from exploring breathtaking destinations. However, exercising proper caution is absolutely non-negotiable.

Ideally, you’d avoid travelling during severe weather warnings. But we understand that’s not always possible due to limited vacation days and work commitments. So what do you do when the weather takes a turn? In this article, we’ll explore key tips to keep you safe during a solo road trip in unpredictable weather.

Skip the Busy Routes As Much As Possible

This one’s a no-brainer. Sometimes, taking the more travelled route is unavoidable, but if you can, steer clear of busy roads. In the UK, severe weather like Storm Bert last year unleashed chaos across parts of England.

Flooding from heavy rain and snow left roads like the A45 in Northamptonshire dangerous for driving. A tragic crash occurred, leaving three dead, with two killed in a car accident and one crushed by a falling tree. 

Floodwater is a massive hazard. Just six inches can knock you over, and two feet can lift a car. Never attempt to drive through floodwaters. Stay away from contaminated water, as it could carry harmful bacteria.

In the US, around the same time last year, the first snowfall in St. Louis led to a surge of accidents. In January 2025, one semi-truck spun out of control on the icy highway of Missouri. Should you ever find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, here’s what TorHoerman Law recommends:

  • Check for injuries and call emergency services immediately.
  • Contact the police for an official report.
  • Gather photographic evidence and witness details.
  • Avoid admitting fault during conversations.
  • Report the incident to your insurance provider.
  • Consult a car accident lawyer in St. Louis for guidance on complex weather-related cases in the area. They can help you secure compensation and file insurance claims.

Inspect Your Car Before You Go Out

Bad weather exposes every weakness in your vehicle. What seems like a minor issue on sunny days can become a life-threatening problem when conditions deteriorate.

Start with your tyres since they’re your only contact with the road. Check tread depth using the 20p coin test. Insert the coin into the grooves and ensure the outer band remains hidden. Inspect tyre pressure too, as cold weather reduces air pressure significantly.

Your battery works harder during winter months and wet conditions. Clean any corrosion from terminals and ensure connections are tight. Windscreen wipers need attention as well – replace them if they leave streaks or miss sections of glass.

Next, check the fluids. Top up windscreen washer fluid with winter-grade solution that won’t freeze. Check engine oil levels and brake fluid too. These simple checks take fifteen minutes but could prevent hours of roadside misery.

Most importantly, test your lights and heating system before departure. You’ll need both working perfectly when visibility drops and temperatures plummet during your solo journey.

Pack Your Car Like Your Life Depends on It

Because frankly, it might. Most solo travellers pack light and focus on essentials like clothes and snacks. However, bad weather transforms your vehicle into a potential shelter or lifeline.

Start with the basics that could save you during an unexpected overnight stay. Pack extra blankets, a first aid kit, and enough water for at least 48 hours. Include a torch with spare batteries, jumper cables, and a portable phone charger. Don’t forget non-perishable food items like energy bars or tinned goods.

Weather-specific items matter tremendously too. Carry rock salt for icy conditions, a small shovel for snow removal, and waterproof clothing. A basic toolkit with screwdrivers and spanners can fix minor issues. 

Most importantly, keep paper maps as backup since GPS signals often fail during severe storms. These preparations transform panic into manageable inconvenience.

Update Your Navigation System

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising how we navigate dangerous roads. Modern GPS systems now use machine learning to predict hazardous conditions and suggest safer routes based on real-time data.

If you are using Google Maps, make sure your app includes the latest Immersive View feature, which provides aerial video footage of buildings, landmarks, and road conditions. This visual information helps you spot potential trouble spots before reaching them.

Waze users should update their app for the newest safety warnings. The platform now analyses crash history data using AI algorithms to identify accident-prone stretches of road. It alerts you when approaching areas with higher collision rates, giving you time to increase caution or find alternative routes.

Both apps learn from millions of users driving in similar conditions. They can redirect you away from flooded roads, warn about black ice reports, and suggest routes that other drivers have safely completed. This collective intelligence becomes invaluable when weather conditions change rapidly during your journey.

Be Ready for Anything and Everything

Bad weather transforms ordinary roads into challenging obstacle courses. However, preparation always beats panic when nature decides to throw its worst at you. These simple tips help solo travellers maintain control when conditions spiral downward. Remember that arriving safely matters more than arriving on time.

Image: Unsplash, Thai An

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