Is the weather harsh where you live this winter? Driving on snow and ice can be dangerous if you need to become more familiar with the best practices to keep you and everyone on the road safe.
It just takes a moment for a disaster to occur on icy roads, so here are some things to consider as you prepare to traverse the snow and ice this winter.
Tips for Winter Weather Driving
Watch The Weather
First things first, keep an eye on the weather. If you don’t have to go out in bad road conditions, consider not getting behind the wheel in the first place. This can prevent a lot of accidents by eliminating unnecessary vehicles on the road.
If you do have to venture out, know what kind of precipitation has been falling and if temperatures have been below freezing long enough to create black ice — ice you can’t see that has created a film across the road.
Remove Visible Snow From the Car
It may be challenging, but you’ll want to remove any snow or ice from your windshield, car roof, and hood. This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of those around you. Snow can fly off your car at high speeds and crash down onto your windshield or the car behind you. This is extremely dangerous.
Place a tarp over your car before a snowstorm to easily pull it off when you need to get in your car the next day.
Prepare An Emergency Kit
While this isn’t necessarily a driving tip, per se, it’s essential if you live somewhere that it snows or ices: Keep an emergency kit in the car at all times.
An emergency kit could include something to break glass with, a blanket, hand warmers, water, a flashlight, chains for your tires, and anything else that might come in handy. You never know when you’ll get stuck and must be safe until someone can rescue you.
Fill Up Your Tank
During colder months, it’s best practice to keep your tank at least half full in case you get stuck and need to stay warm. This can prevent an emergency.
Check Your Tire Inflation
Another way to prevent getting stuck on the roads in extreme weather is to check your tires regularly. Tire inflation drops as the temperature does, so you may need to refill them frequently.
Refer to your car’s manual for the correct tire pressure.
Brake Slowly And Give Yourself Time
Even if you’ve been driving snowy roads your whole life, slowing down is the best practice when dealing with mushy, snowy, or icy roads.
This gives you and the drivers around you plenty of time should there be a patch of black ice or packed snow.
If you do happen to hydroplane and slide, don’t panic. Tap the brakes until you can get them to engage.
Conquering Ice and Snow This Winter
If you’re planning on being out and about driving on ice and snow this winter, keep the above tips in mind. When you’re prepared and cautious, you keep yourself and everyone else safe on the roads.
Remember, if you know there’s severe weather coming, try to stay home and prepare your vehicle by putting a tarp on top for easy snow removal the next time you need to drive. Also, stock your car with an emergency kit and check that you have gas and inflated tires before pulling out of the driveway.
With these few essential tips, you can conquer ice and snow this winter!
