A whiteout is one of the most dangerous weather conditions a driver can face. It’s a weather phenomenon where visibility is severely reduced due to snow, blowing snow, or fog, creating a situation where it’s difficult or nearly impossible to see the road, other vehicles, or surrounding landmarks.
Whiteouts can occur suddenly and without warning, making them especially hazardous for drivers.
In this article, we’ll dive into what whiteouts are, how they impact driving, and most importantly, how to stay safe if you find yourself driving in such conditions.
What is a Whiteout?
A whiteout occurs when snow or blowing snow reduces visibility to almost zero, making it difficult to distinguish between the ground and the sky. This creates a disorienting effect, where the snow-covered landscape seems to merge into one white mass, causing confusion and a lack of spatial orientation. Whiteout conditions are typically associated with:
- Heavy snowstorms: When snow falls at a rate that overwhelms visibility, leading to the obscuration of the road and surrounding area.
- Blowing snow: When strong winds blow loose snow across the road, creating a blinding cloud that makes it hard to see.
- Fog: Fog can sometimes merge with snow or freezing rain, leading to a situation where visibility is severely reduced, making driving conditions hazardous.
In a whiteout, not only does visibility drop significantly, but it becomes incredibly difficult to differentiate between the road and other hazards, such as barriers, curves, or other vehicles.
Why Are Whiteouts Dangerous for Drivers?
Whiteout conditions pose numerous risks to drivers, including:
- Loss of Visibility: The primary danger of a whiteout is reduced visibility. In these conditions, it’s difficult to see lane markings, traffic signs, or other vehicles. This can cause drivers to become disoriented, take wrong turns, or veer off the road unintentionally.
- Disorientation: Without a clear sense of direction or landmarks, drivers may lose their bearings. A whiteout can cause drivers to veer into the wrong lane, drive off the road, or take unnecessary risks trying to continue driving when it may be safer to stop.
- Increased Risk of Collisions: When visibility is poor, it’s harder to gauge the speed or proximity of other vehicles. Drivers might be unable to see a stopped or slow-moving vehicle ahead, leading to a higher risk of rear-end collisions. In some cases, drivers may also fail to see pedestrians or other obstacles.
- Ice and Snow on the Road: In whiteout conditions, the snow and ice on the road can accumulate rapidly, further decreasing traction. Roads that are covered in snow or ice become extremely slippery, making it harder to stop or control the vehicle.
- Misjudging Distances: The white landscape of a whiteout can cause drivers to misjudge distances and speed. Drivers may be unable to estimate how far they are from the road edges, other cars, or potential obstacles.
How to Stay Safe While Driving in Whiteout Conditions
Driving in a whiteout can be extremely risky, but there are steps you can take to help ensure your safety. Here are some tips on how to handle these conditions:
1. Slow Down and Stay in Control
When driving in a whiteout, reducing your speed is essential. Snow and ice can make roads slippery, and reduced visibility means you need extra time to react to any changes in the road ahead. Avoid speeding or rushing to your destination, and adjust your speed to match the visibility and road conditions. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you to allow for ample braking distance.
2. Use Your Low Beams
If visibility is reduced due to a whiteout, always use your low beams, not high beams. High beams can cause glare in the snow, which can actually reduce your visibility further. Low beams are designed to light the road directly in front of you and reduce reflections off the snow.
3. Don’t Rely on Cruise Control
In a whiteout, it’s important to be able to react quickly to changing conditions. Avoid using cruise control, as it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle if you hit a patch of ice or snow. Cruise control also reduces your ability to adjust your speed in response to the shifting conditions.
4. Keep Your Windshield Clean
Snow can accumulate quickly on your windshield, obscuring your view even more. Make sure your wipers are in good condition, and keep the windshield clean. If snow is accumulating rapidly, stop periodically to clear the snow off your vehicle. Ensure that the defroster is working effectively to prevent the windshield from fogging up.
5. Know When to Stop
Sometimes, the best decision during a whiteout is to pull over and wait for conditions to improve. If the snow becomes too heavy, visibility drops to near zero, or the road becomes too dangerous, find a safe place to stop and wait for the storm to pass. Always park in a well-lit area, and make sure your hazard lights are on to alert other drivers to your presence.
6. Avoid Sudden Movements
Sudden steering, braking, or accelerating can cause you to lose control of your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions. In a whiteout, it’s especially important to make gradual movements. If you need to slow down, do so gently and early. If you’re approaching a curve or turn, start steering gradually to avoid losing traction.
7. Follow the Road Markings
When visibility is reduced, the road markings become crucial in guiding you safely. Look for reflective markers, lines on the road, or even the faint outlines of other vehicles to help maintain your lane position. If the lane markings are unclear, consider following the taillights of a car ahead of you. However, be cautious and ensure that the vehicle you are following is driving safely.
8. Maintain Your Distance from Other Vehicles
In a whiteout, the risk of rear-end collisions increases, as it’s hard to see when the vehicle ahead is slowing down or stopping. Maintain a safe following distance, giving yourself extra time to react. In some cases, it might be helpful to increase your distance further to account for poor road conditions.
9. Be Prepared for the Worst
Before venturing out in a whiteout or snowy conditions, make sure your vehicle is well-prepared. Check the weather forecast, ensure your car has a full tank of gas, and carry an emergency kit that includes items like blankets, a flashlight, snacks, water, a shovel, and other survival essentials. Also, ensure your vehicle has winter tires, which are specifically designed to handle snow and ice.
10. Know When to Stay Home
If a whiteout is particularly severe or if a snowstorm is predicted, consider postponing your trip. It’s better to wait for conditions to improve rather than risk your safety and the safety of others on the road. If you can avoid driving during a whiteout, it’s often the best choice.