After an early October blizzard nudged us all into winter-mode, it’s time to think about safe driving tips in treacherous snow and ice. Of course, smart driving is always a must, but we can’t deny the difference between cruising a dry road and one blanketed in a thick sheet of sleet. We previously covered important items to get your vehicle winter-ready; now let’s talk about techniques to get you prepped for winter weather.
- Slow Down and Drive Smoothly
It seems common sense, but each year people are injured or killed because they are overconfident on the road. Particularly during the first part of the season when we’re accustomed to dry roads, it can be easy to overestimate the quality of conditions. However, even if you’re in a truck or SUV, you cannot safely drive at normal speeds on slick roadways. Four-wheel-drive may help your vehicle get going in slush, but it won’t help when you’re trying to steer or safely stop on a slippery surface. You should avoid abrupt acceleration, breaking, and turns. Doing so can cause your vehicle to lose traction and launch into a skid or collision. Driving too fast is the main cause of accidents in winter weather. Be patient. It will take you longer to reach your destination, but no appointment is worth risking your life.
- Do Not Tailgate Other Drivers.
Another point that seems obvious, but happens all too often. In winter driving conditions, it takes a much longer distance to stop your vehicle in snow or ice due to greatly reduced traction – even when the road is only lightly covered. You might think the driver doing 35 mph is moving too slow and needs a reminder by riding their bumper, but doing so is incredibly dangerous. Be patient and stay back for everyone’s safety.
- Don’t Use Cruise Control.
For some people that use cruise control every day, it becomes second nature. However, it can be very unsafe during winter weather. If your cruise control has become a daily staple, it’s time to say goodbye until warmer weather. Using cruise control in snow, ice, and even rain is dangerous because if your vehicle hydroplanes or skids, it will accelerate and rapidly spin the wheels since it is trying to maintain a constant speed. If this happens, it is more likely you will lose control of your vehicle, and things will end badly.
- Pull Over or Stay Home.
If at any point during your drive you feel uncomfortable, or the weather is too nasty to continue driving, simply stay put. If you’re traveling on the road, find a safe place to pull over and wait until the weather passes or calms to the point where you feel comfortable driving again. If you haven’t left home yet, do not venture out. There is no shame in making the safe decision to stay put when road conditions are poor. Your boss or loved ones will understand if you are late, or cannot make it due to driving conditions. Your safety depends on using good sense!
This winter, we wish all of our fellow drivers a safe season. By following a few common sense tips, you can greatly reduce the chance of a collision or injury. Take your time on the roadways and keep yourself and others safe this winter.
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