Winter Driving Tips

As the winter weather strikes across the country, it brings a lot of snow, ice and slippery roads. The first safety tip is don’t go out unless you have to. That being said, there are a lot of things you can do to reduce the risk of an accident, or at least minimize the impact.


In Ice and Snow, Take It Slow!

* Allow extra time to get to your destination;
* Drive for the conditions – slower accelerations, slower steering, slower braking and slower speeds will allow for better control of your vehicle;
* Always look and steer in the direction you wish to travel;
* Don’t tailgate or crowd other vehicles, allow twice the distance between you would for dry conditions. You may have control of your car – but they may be perilously close to losing control and taking you out with them;
* Remember larger vehicles always take longer to stop;
* USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS!
* DO NOT use your cruise control;
* Prepare to brake and slow down long before you get to an intersection or off-ramp;
* Use extra caution on bridges and shady spots as they always freeze first;
* Remember that even four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer any better than other vehicles in icy conditions;
* Clear the snow from your lights, mirrors and all windows before you leave your parking space – increasing your ability to see and be seen, as well as reducing the snow flying off your vehicle making conditions unsafe for others;
* DO NOT CROWD OR PASS THE SNOW PLOW; the driver has limited visibility, and is concentrating in cleaning the roads, stay back at least 10 car lengths until you part ways;
* If possible avoid using your parking brake in freezing, snowy or icy weather -it may freeze in place;
* In the event of a skid, slowly decelerate, then slowly accelerate to regain control – do not suddenly accelerate into a skid;
* Know whether or not you have anti-lock brakes, if you have anti-lock brakes use the ball of your foot to apply firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal. If you have a car without anti-lock brakes, pump the pedal to achieve a more straight line break in your speed;
* If you start to lose traction, release the accelerator and if possible let your cars own inertia move you through to an area with more traction;
* As you crest hills, reduce your speed and proceed down as slowly as possible – down shifting aids in slowing your vehicle without applying the brakes;
* Try to avoid stopping when going uphill, it is very hard to get traction when moving uphill;
* Secure all packages, bags and items in the passenger cabin – in the event of a severe swerve loose items fly around, possibly causing injury;
* Use your seatbelt, and make certain all passengers are securely fastened into their seats every time you drive.

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