Statistics from the United States Department of Transportation prove that there are over 450,000 car accidents yearly in bad weather that cause personal injury. If you follow some basic good advice in various weather situations you may help to lower those statistics. Many things can be done in each driving situation that can help.

Fog is a very common condition that happens all over the United States. Fog can be thought of as clouds on the ground. To improve visibility drive with low beams on, high beams impair your visibility even more because that reflects in the fog. Reduce you speed, do not rush, do not pass good advice for any driving situation. When driving in fog listen for traffic you cannot see, leave your window open a crack to hear it. Make sure to use you windshield wipers and defrosters if necessary. Guide yourself by the right edge of the road or by the painted lines on the pavement. Also do not stop on a road with heavy traffic, others may not see you and hit you.

When driving in rain or other wet weather one of the scariest things is losing control of your car. Skids can be prevented if you steer carefully and drive slowly. If you do end up on a skid, keep calm, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go in. Steering into the skid is the best advice if you have anti-lock brakes. One way to avoid hydroplaning is to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressures, and maintain a good tread on them. If you do find yourself in a hydroplane, do not brake or turn suddenly as this can put you into a skid. Drive defensively and adjust your speed to the wet road.

If you are driving in snowy conditions and find yours elf stuck don't spin your wheels, this only makes you sink deeper. Try turning your wheels back and forth, use a light foot on the gas, and ease out of the snow. Pour sand, rock salt etc in front of the wheels to get traction.

An emergency supply kit is good to have in your car for any weather situation. Keep a tool kit, bag of salt or sand, jumper cables, shovel, properly inflated spare, a wrench and a jack. Keep a flashlight, compass, first aid kit and some non-perishable snacks.

If you are stranded, do not leave the car unless you know exactly where you are and where you're going. Light flares if you have them and place in front and back of the car, if you are in snow make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked so you can run the car for heat occasionally.

The best advice for dealling with bad weather driving situations is probably to not go out unless you absolutely have to.