Winter weather can make driving treacherous. To ensure a safe journey, it’s essential to be prepared and follow these winter driving safety tips:
Before You Go:
- Vehicle Check-Up:
- Tires: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth for winter conditions. Consider switching to winter tires for optimal traction.
- Battery: A weak battery can leave you stranded in the cold. Have it checked by a mechanic.
- Windshield Wipers: Replace worn-out wiper blades to clear snow and ice effectively.
- Wiper Fluid: Stock up on winter-grade wiper fluid to prevent freezing.
- Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car with essential items like blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.
While Driving:
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed to account for decreased visibility and slippery road conditions.
- Increase Following Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle before you to allow for increased stopping time.
- Gentle Accelerations and Braking: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, which can cause your vehicle to skid.
- Use Low Gear: Lower gear can provide better traction and control, especially on hills.
- Be Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses: These areas tend to freeze first, so proceed with extra care.
- Avoid Cruise Control: Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads, as it can cause loss of control.
- Use Headlights: Even during daylight hours, turn on your headlights to improve visibility.
- Watch for Black Ice: Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that can be difficult to see. Be cautious on shaded areas and bridges.
- Stay Calm: If you start to skid, don’t panic. Gently steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes.
If You Get Stuck:
- Stay Calm: Panicking won’t help. Assess the situation and take measured steps.
- Stay in Your Vehicle: It’s safer to stay in your car, especially during severe weather.
- Conserve Fuel: Use your vehicle’s heater sparingly to conserve fuel.
- Signal for Help: If possible, signal for help by turning on your hazard lights or waving a brightly colored cloth.
- Call a local tow company. It will be faster than calling your insurance, as insurance companies often delay dispatching the tow service, and you can almost always submit a receipt for reimbursement. Also, calling and waiting for police may also delay getting tow service for your vehicle and will most likely add to your costs if they dispatch the service.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter driving and ensure a safe journey. Remember, it’s always best to use caution when driving in adverse weather conditions.