The Three Key Elements To Safe Winter Driving

Over 116,780 people are injured, and at least 1,300 deaths are recorded annually due to car crashes on icy roads. Such disheartening statistics remind us of how important it is to take extra precautions during winter.

While driving during winter can be very unsafe, a significant percentage of traffic collisions can be easily avoided when drivers stay prepared. This article will provide some safe winter driving tips to help avoid any road incident all through the winter.

Slow Down

It’s imperative to drive at moderate speeds during wintry conditions. It’s also best to turn off your vehicle’s cruise control feature. If you must accelerate or decelerate, do so slowly and gently to avoid skidding.

Stay Alert

Try not to get fixated on a particular spot on the road as much as possible. Most drivers forget to scan the area and check their mirrors every 7 to 10 seconds. Not only will this keep you focused, but it’ll also keep you aware of road conditions, thereby minimizing the risk of surprises.

The initial clearing of snow from your mirrors and windows before heading out can significantly help as it improves road visibility and ensures you don’t get unnecessarily distracted in winter driving.

Maintain Steering Control

Thankfully, most new vehicles are produced with tires that have good traction control, which is perfect for snowy and wet road surfaces, especially if you have to drive up a slippery slope or accelerate from a slowed or halted position.

Remember that your attention and control is the best feature your vehicle has. Be vigilant and drive safely during winter; your journeys will most certainly be safe every time.

Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter Driving

Winter months can be quite unpredictable. This simply means that you have to prepare your vehicle before winter strikes. A great way to prepare yourself for driving in such precarious weather conditions is by working on your winter driving skills. Use the simple tips below to give yourself a head start for the winter.

Wear your seatbelt. it can save your life when driving on icy roads. It’s crucial to drive slowly, accelerate slowly and brake gently during winter. Refrain from using all handheld devices on the road, or better still, keep them out of sight. Avoid driving too close to snowplowing vehicles because even though you see them, their operators might not be able to see your car. Turn off the cruise control feature and use your vehicle thermostat to provide appropriate heat whenever the temperature drops. Keep an eye out for black ice (a thin coating of glazed ice). Exercise extreme caution when driving on bridges, ramps, and intersections since all of these areas are prone to icing. It’s essential to always have an emergency kit present in your car equipped with a small-sized ice scraper, reflectors, windshield washing solutions, and a first-aid kit. Always check tire pressure and never travel without your mobile phone in case of an emergency. Whenever you spot construction or maintenance vehicles on the road, decelerate slowly for safety reasons. If you need suggestions on the proper maintenance for your car, try checking your vehicle owner’s manual.

Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard

Don’t let winter take you by surprise. Take the necessary steps to get your car ready as early as possible. A good start is scheduling a maintenance check-up to ensure your vehicle is in perfect condition. The maintenance check should cover your car’s tires, battery, air pressure, exhaust system, ignition module, brakes, defroster, heater, and down to your windshield wipers.

The keyword of safe driving on icy and slippery roads is “speed control.” Remember to ease up on the accelerator, avoid making sharp turns, and brake gently on icy pavements and road surfaces. For safety concerns, we recommend going at half the stipulated speed limit regardless of how urgently you need to reach your destination.

Safety Tips For Driving On Sleek Icy Roads

While it might not appear so, driving on sleek ice or packed snow can be very unsafe. Below are some key elements to ensure you don’t find yourself in a precarious situation while driving in cold weather and on snow-packed roads.

1. Start Slowly and Test Your Braking

Before driving in the snow, ensure to keep your gas tank sufficiently full. You might also want to test out your braking ability and see how much traction your vehicle has on icy and dry pavement, especially if you just got new winter tires. This will help you get a good feel of your vehicle’s tires and the road.

You mustn’t spin your tires when you turn on the ignition system. A great way to go about this is by applying minimal force on the gas pedal. When you have to pull over, make sure you slow down a few seconds sooner than you usually would.

2. Avoid Sudden Movements

Be extremely cautious while driving and avoid pumping the brake pedal suddenly to avoid spinning whenever you need to make a stop. To keep from losing control of the steering, use anti-lock brakes when driving on glazed ice.

3. Equip You Car With Winter Tires Or Tire Chains

Snow tires are the absolute best during the winter season. Chains are also quite effective for driving on roads with considerable amounts of ice, so you might want to equip your tires with either of these when conditions warrant them.

Remember that snow tires aren’t invulnerable to packed snow and will likely slide. Also, remember that ice and snow remain on side streets and bridges longer than main roads, meaning you must be careful while driving in these areas.

4. Regulate Your Speed Per Road Conditions

Driving above the required speed range in wet and snowy conditions will most likely cause your vehicle to hydroplane. Needless to say, losing control of your steering wheel on packed icy streets can be fatal.

5. Ensure There’s A Reasonable Space Interval Between Your Vehicle And The One Ahead Of You

According to safe driving regulations, there must always be sufficient space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Many fender bender incidents could have easily been avoided if only the drivers concerned gave enough following distance.

6. Cleaning And Correctly Operating Windshield Wipers

It’s essential to have properly maintained windshield wipers while driving in adverse weather. No matter how short the distance you intend to drive, ensure your windows are defrosted and wiped thoroughly.

Final Words

Driving in snow and ice conditions means you’ll have to keep an eye out for slippery spots ahead. Bridges tend to retain ice even when the rest of the road is clear. However, by following our safe driving tips for winter conditions, you can dramatically lower your risk of an accident in winter driving.