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Winter Driving
Tips For Driving In Snow And Ice
Playing in the snow is fun, but
driving in it is not. Road conditions are difficult to judge and
snow and ice can reduce traction to almost zero. Even on good winter
road surfaces, a vehicle that goes even slightly off the edge of
some roads can get pulled off the road and sucked into a snow bank.
Indeed, driving in snow and on ice can be very hazardous. Follow
these tips for safer winter driving.
 Go
slow. The most important thing you can do while driving on snow
or ice is drive slowly. Take your time. Due to slippery road conditions,
you'll need much more space to stop.
Increase
following distance. Allow more room between you and other vehicles.
It can take between three to ten times more distance to stop on
snow covered roads than in normal conditions.
Stop
gradually. The inability to stop quickly is one of the greatest
hazards of driving in snow. Many accidents occur at intersections
where the snow becomes hard packed and more slippery. If you begin
to skid, let up on the brakes and quickly pump gently. If your vehicle
is equipped with anti-lock brakes, push hard and don't let up. Let
the anti-lock brakes do their work. Take precautions around corners
as well. Never brake hard around a corner.
 Follow
winter braking instructions outlined in your owner's manual.
Plan
ahead. Watch local weather forecasts and postpone your trip
if conditions are poor. During snow storms, try to take public transportation
where available. If you must drive, give yourself more time to get
to your destination. Remember, traffic may be snarled and will almost
certainly move much more slowly. Additionally, choose an alternative
route where you can avoid heavy traffic, steep hills and dangerous
intersections.
Don't
travel when winter storm warnings are issued. If your are at
work or on vacation and road conditions suddenly become impassable,
stay where you are and wait for conditions to improve. Allow road
crews to clean the streets and highways before you venture out.
As much as you might want to get home, you may put yourself in great
danger should get stuck or stranded halfway home.
Read
the road. While you are driving, constantly monitor road conditions
in front of you. There are different kinds of snow and each require
slight modifications in driving habits. For example, hardpacked
snow can be approached with slightly greater speed than icy snow.
Newly fallen snow may not be very slippery at slow speeds. Slushy
snow can cause hydroplaning. Also be aware that ice may be hiding
under freshly fallen snow, particularly at intersections.
Be
deliberate when maneuvering. Most skidding is caused by sudden
stops or turning or going too fast for conditions. Plan your moves
ahead of time and make them slowly.
Regaining
control. If you suddenly lose control on snow or ice, do not
slam on the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and gently
turn the front wheels in the direction the car is sliding. Hitting
the brakes or turning sharply will only send your skidding out of
control. If you can not regain control, it is better to steer into
a snow bank or ditch than to risk a collision with another vehicle.
Snowbanks are usually relatively soft and often don't cause much
vehicle damage. For cars equipped with anti-lock
brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure. Don't pump
the brakes.
Drive
Defensively. Remember, driving in snow or on ice causes many
accidents and deaths each year. Other drivers may suddenly lose
control and possibly skid into your path. Always be on the lookout
and be prepared to make sudden evasive maneuvers. Conversely, avoid
sudden braking or turning. Vehicles behind you may not be prepared
for such a maneuver.
Turn
on headlights. Use headlights at the first sign of snow to alert
yourself to other drivers. Make sure headlights are at the 'dim'
position so you don't accidentally blind others. Never drive with
just parking lights on, they don't cast off enough light and are
illegal in many places. In heavy snow at night, used dim lights
over bright headlights for better visibility.
Use
wipers and defroster as necessary to maintain best vision. If
your wipers become clogged with snow or ice, don't stop at the side
of the road to clean. Pull into a parking lot or lightly traveled
side street where you won't risk being hit by another vehicle.
Keep
windows clean. Slippery road conditions aren't the only hazzard
winter drivers face. Poor visibility caused by blowing snow, frost
on the windows and slush and salt spray also lead to accidents.
Make sure you have a good scraper before winter arrives and keep
it accessable. Scrapers with a brush are particularly handy. Never
drive with windows covered with frost. The few extra minutes you
take to clean ALL your windows may prevent you from becoming injured
in an accident. Clean windows at a gas station when they become
dirty with road grime.
Avoid
stopping on any freeway or other heavily traveled road unless
absolutely necessary. If possible, pull into a low-use parking lot
or side street. In high traffic areas, turn on flashers immediately
to warn other vehicles and set up flares or reflecting triangles
300 feet behind your vehicle.
Getting
unstuck. If you become stuck in snow, avoid spinning your wheels
- you'll only dig yourself in deeper. Instead, shovel (or kick)
snow away from the wheel paths and pour salt, sand, cat litter,
or ashes around the drive wheels to improve traction. If you don't
have any of the above and you are in a bind, take one of your car
mats and put it in front or behind the spinning wheel.
Four
wheel drive and SUV owners should resist the temptation to drive
faster thinking they may have more traction and better visibility.
While these vehicles do get better traction in the snow, trucks
and SUVs are heavier than cars and require greater braking distances.
In addition, these vehicles often have poor handling and have higher
centers of gravity which make them more prone to rolling over.
Prepare
car for safe winter driving. Winter driving exacts a heavy toll
on a vehicle. Many vehicles become stranded in cold weather because
they weren't properly winterized or maintained. Avoid problems,
have your vehicle tuned-up and inspected BEFORE winter arrives.
Batteries, tires, exhaust, steering, and lubricants all need to
be in top condition to safely handle wintery road conditions.
Once
winter arrives, bear in mind that your vehicle's parts can become
iced up, brittle and often break. Take a few minutes each week to
check your wipers and lights for safe operation. Windshield wipers
are relatively cheap and easy to replace. If they leave streaks
or skip, change them. Consider winter wiper blades. Winter wiper
blades are covered with a rubber sheath which reduce ice buildup
on the arms. They're more expensive, but they're worth the extra
cost. Check your washer fluid level often and keep it filled.
Check/clean
lights. Make sure all lights are working properly. Perform this
quick test every two weeks; turn on your vehicle's lights and walk
around vehicle, check headlights, taillights and turn signals to
ensure they work properly. Make sure headlights are properly aligned
and clean. A little road grime can significantly reduce night time
visibility.
Prepare
for trouble. Problems seem to occur when least expected. Planning
ahead can minimize stress, prevent a catastrophe and possibly save
lives. Carry emergency supplies in your trunk such as emergency
flares, a first aid kit, a set of chains, a bag of sand, or even
cat litter along with a collapsible shovel, tow rope and set of
jumper cables. These may prevent you from becoming stranded. For
personal safety and in case you do get stranded, carry a warm blanket,
something to drink and high energy foods to eat until help arrives.
Investing in a cell phone is also a good idea.
For more driving tips, see 'Related
Topics' on side bar above
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