Winter is here. That means, the weather outside could be frightful and roads could be sloppy. Snow, sleet, ice – oh my!
Here are 7 tips for safe driving on wet, icy and snowy roads:
1. Slow down
Reduce your speed. Don’t tailgate and maintain a safe interval between you and the vehicle in front of you. A general driving tip is to stay 6-8 seconds behind the vehicle when there is snow or ice on the road.
2. Brake slowly
Slowly pump your brakes. Whatever you do, don’t slam on your breaks on an icy road – you’ll slip, slide and lose control. Start slowing down at least three times sooner than you normally would.
3. Stay in control
Avoid spinning your tires and sudden movements. Also, don’t use cruise control when driving on slippery roads. Don’t gun the accelerator in snow.
4. Keep your windows clear
Thoroughly clean your windows. Don’t even think about scraping a little teeny tiny peeping hole to see through. Additionally, make sure your windshield wipers are in proper working order.
5. Use caution around snowplows
In fact, never ever pass a snowplow. Passing a snowplow can be dangerous as snow blowing from the plow will obstruct your visibility.
6. Check the weather, plan your route and allow more time
Know what the weather will do, especially on long trips. Stick to the main roads – those are the streets that will usually be plowed and treated first. Also, give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
7. Keep winter gear in your car
Think coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and blankets. Also, be prepared with an emergency kit. Check out the article, What’s the one item every vehicle should have? to learn what to include in your kit.
Above all, before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Check out our article, Get your vehicle ready for winter, to learn the 7 tips for winterizing your vehicle.
Winter driving can be stressful, but if you’re prepared, driving in the snow can be managed and not as hard as it seems. Drive safely.
