Winter brings ice and snow, reducing traction on the roadway and presenting a challenge for even the most experienced drivers, making it harder to steer, stop or get moving. Here are driving tips to stay safe.
1. Prepare your vehicle for winter driving
Winter presents challenges for driving which requires special adjustments to your vehicle. Cold weather causes tire pressure to go down, so make sure your tires are properly inflated and have ample tread. Because of a higher chance of getting stuck in traffic, always make sure to keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. An ice scraper for windshields is a must, and tire chains for areas that get significant snow.
2. Maintain an emergency kit with food, water, first-aid and more
During winter, bad weather can stall or strand traffic. Short trips can end up lasting hours. That’s one reason it’s important to always keep your gas tank half full or greater. It’s especially critical to create an “emergency kit” in case you find yourself stuck for hours.
Your emergency kit should include: Non-perishable snacks, including those with high-protein (for example, beef jerky and/or protein bars for vegetarians), water, warm gloves, a blanket, work gloves, a shovel, jumper cables, and emergency light and/or road flares.
In addition, you should have a separate first aid kit. If you travel with your pet, make sure to bring food and water, as well as bowls for them. It’s also a good idea to have a piece of cardboard or a blanket you can put down for kneeling when installing tire chains.
3. Driving tip #1: Keep it slow, one thing at a time
Because slick and slippery winter roads are the biggest hazard, driving smooth, steady, and slower will help you maintain better traction. Allow extra time for stops and turns. Plan on making slow, wide turns rather than quick, sharp ones. A good rule of thumb is asking your tires to do only one thing at a time.
Don’t brake and steer simultaneously. Rather, it’s best to brake and accelerate in a straight line. Only steer if you’re not accelerating or braking. Further, never use your cruise control or semi-autonomous driving systems in winter driving conditions. Snow can block the sensors and road markers the systems used to operate, US News reports.
4. Driving tip #2: Brake early and smoothly
You’re going to have to break your braking habits when driving on ice or snow. Jabbing or slamming on the brakes can throw your car into an uncontrollable skid or spin. Instead, always brake earlier than needed, and when doing so – do it slow and easy. A good rule of thumb is to allow 6 to 10 lengths of space to stop on slick roads.
When it comes to the brakes themselves, much older cars that do not have antilock brakes (ABS) require pumping the brakes to avoid locking them up and skidding. But that is not required for modern cars with ABS systems. For vehicles with antilock brakes, stop by applying smooth, steady force to the petal and the system will prevent wheels from locking up.
5. Driving to #3: Using momentum and guarding against it
One key when driving on icy and snowy roads is learning how to use momentum when you need it, and how to guard against it. You need to use momentum to climb slippery inclines or when getting through deep snow. In these conditions, you need to avoid stopping or pausing. Otherwise, you may not be able to get going again. This doesn’t necessarily mean going fast, but only maintaining forward motion. This might mean timing yourself at intersections to get the green light and keep moving.
Conversely, you need to guard against momentum when needing to stop by watching your speed and slowing well in advance. Maintain distance between your vehicle and others, at least twice what you would allow in dry conditions.
