Live in Pennsylvania or another mid-Atlantic or New England state? You need to be sure you know how to drive in the winter months when snow, sleet and ice become everyday occurrences.
Though driving during dicey conditions can be challenging, especially for new drivers, it does not have to end up in an accident. In fact, practicing several behind-the-wheel tips can help avoid problems associated with driving on slick spots.
Get Your Car Checked in Late Fall
An important part of staying safe when driving in the snow is to have your car in working order before the first snowflake falls. This means getting a checkup sometime in late fall, such as October or November. Ask your mechanic to examine your tires, top off fluids and give your vehicle an all-around tune-up.
Missed the fall deadline? No problem. Call your auto mechanic today for a wintertime visit.
Take It Slow
Seem like traffic is moving too fast? If you feel like you need to go slow, even slower than the speed limit, you should. Speeding causes many car crashes during winter because you have less time to react.
Going more than about 20mph under the posted speed? Turn on your emergency blinkers to alert other drivers.
Avoid Braking During Skids
As snow and ice build on the roads, surfaces inevitably get slick. This leads to loss of traction between your car and the highway’s surface.
Resist the temptation to suddenly brake if you hit a skid. Instead, try to keep your car going in as straight a direction as possible. In the event of a spin-out, turn your wheels toward the direction of the skid to slow down the momentum.
Keep Kitty Litter in the Car
Kitty litter and sand can come in handy when you get stuck on an icy patch. Both of these everyday items can help you regain traction, making it less likely that your car will get mired in the mud or slush. Just sprinkle some around your tires and slowly try to move forward or backwards without violently rocking the vehicle.
Lengthen Your Following Distance
Generally speaking, you should drive with at least three to five car lengths between you and your nearest motorist. During snowy travel days, lengthen the distance even more.
The more distance you leave between you and other drivers, the better chance you have of avoiding a collision.
Brake Decidedly and Calmly
You may need to “ride the brakes” during a snowy commute. Doing so keeps you in control of your vehicle without haltingly stopping and starting.
If you find it necessary to slam on the brakes, you are probably driving too fast for the road conditions.
Change Your Ordinary Routes
To avoid major problems and reported crash sites, you may need to investigate different routes to get to your home or work. Plan ahead by learning about potential road hazards.
Scrape Your Way to Safety
As a final note about driving in the winter snow, always scrape all the snow and ice from your car before going anywhere. As annoying and time-consuming as this can be, it could save your life and the lives of others behind the wheel.
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