April 15, 2026•⏱️ 5 min read•Advanced Skills

Handling Different Weather Conditions

Rain, fog, and wind require different techniques. Here's how to stay safe in all Sydney weather conditions.

Rain

Key Adjustments:

  • • Reduce speed - Wet roads = longer stopping distance
  • • Increase following distance - Triple it in heavy rain
  • • Use headlights - Not just for visibility, it's the law in rain
  • • Gentle inputs - Slow down gradually, brake gently
  • • Beware of hydroplaning - Especially above 80km/h in heavy water

️ Fog

Fog Driving Rules:

  • • Use low beam lights - High beams reflect off fog
  • • Reduce speed - You can't stop in the distance you can see
  • • Use the right edge - Stay close to the edge line as a guide
  • • Fog lights - Turn them on if your car has them
  • • Don't stop on the road - Pull off if you need to stop

Wind

Strong Wind Tips:

  • • Hold steering firmly - sudden gusts can push you
  • • Give trucks/buses extra space - they create wind tunnels
  • • Be careful near bridges and open roads
  • • Slow down before encountering strong crosswinds

☀️ Sun and Glare

Managing Sun Glare:

  • • Use your sun visor effectively
  • • Keep your windscreen clean (inside and out)
  • • Wear polarized sunglasses
  • • Slow down if visibility is severely reduced
  • • Watch for sun in other drivers' eyes

Heat

Hot Weather Precautions:

  • • Check tyre pressure - heat causes expansion
  • • Watch for melting roads in extreme heat
  • • Stay hydrated - dehydration affects concentration
  • • Never leave children or pets in the car
  • • Watch for cyclists and pedestrians - they may be harder to see

⚡ Storms

During Thunderstorms:

  • • Pull over safely if rain is too heavy to see
  • • Use headlights (not high beams)
  • • Increase following distance significantly
  • • Don't drive through flood water
  • • Watch for fallen branches and debris

Flood Water Rules

TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN

  • • Just 30cm of water can float a car
  • • 60cm can sweep away most vehicles
  • • You can't judge depth from the surface
  • • If in doubt, find another route

Golden Rule:

If conditions make you uncomfortable, pull over and wait. There's no journey worth risking your life. In Sydney, theSES advises: "If it's flooded, forget it."