Road conditions in the United States vary depending on the region and the time of year. Major highways, such as interstates, are generally well maintained and have good road conditions, but there can be issues during extreme weather conditions or heavy traffic. Here is a list of all the conditions in which you can find a highway.
I will also elaborate on the effect they can have on your driving:
- Clear and dry: Ideal road status. You can expect good visibility and driving experience.
- Rainy/wet: This condition can cause slippery surfaces, making it more difficult to brake and steer and reducing visibility.
- Snowy or icy: Slippery roads with poor traction and limited visibility.
- Foggy: Reduced visibility and difficulty seeing other vehicles and road signs.
- Windy: This condition can cause difficulty in steering.
- Construction or maintenance: You may face lane closures, detours, and delays while driving.
- Heavy traffic: Slow-moving or stopped traffic is to be expected.
- Flooded: This condition can easily cause damage to vehicles.
- Wildfires: You can expect poor visibility along with difficulty in breathing.
- Dust storm: Poor visibility is to be expected once again.
It is important to note that these conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. It is always important to stay informed about the latest road conditions and to adjust your driving accordingly.
East Coast
Currently, the East coast of the United States is experiencing a winter storm with heavy snowfall and strong winds, which might cause delays and road closures on the major highways in the region.
Midwest Region
In the Midwest region, the roads are generally clear, but there are some areas where the weather conditions might cause some challenges. The I 80 and I 90 highways are dealing with snowfall and icy conditions, which might cause delays and road closures.
West Coast
On the West coast, the roads are similar to the Midwestern region, but there are some areas where the weather conditions might cause you some issues.
The I 5 and I 15 are prominent highways dealing with heavy rain and strong winds. This can easily cause some delays and even result in road closures.
Southern Region
The Southern region of the United States is also dealing with some rainy weather. Major highways such as I10, I20, and I75 are experiencing heavy rainfall, making it difficult to see cars in front of you and drive properly.
Regardless of the region, motorists must stay informed about the current road conditions before traveling. Several resources are available to help you plan your trip and stay safe on the road.
The best way to plan your route is to check The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) website. This website will provide real-time information on road conditions, construction, and closures on major highways across the country.
The website also provides information on weather conditions, traffic cameras, and other resources to help you plan your trip. This can be of immense help if you want to avoid a long or troublesome journey and not get stuck in the middle of a highway.
To better plan your journey, you should have a good amount of supplies ready. This will result in you having the necessary equipment to combat bad weather conditions. You should almost always have an emergency kit with you.
Other items you should pack should include:
- Flashlight
- Blankets
- Water
- Food
- Spare Tires
Remember to consult the news and the website mentioned above so that you can stay up to date on the conditions of the highways, as they are always changing.
