Drive Safely in the Winter
Most people love snow. When the white coat covers the landscape, the trees are white from frost, the atmosphere is just magical. We want to cuddle up in front of the fireplace and sip some hot chocolate and feel cozy. But when you have to drive on icy roads and in heavy snow, its a different story. Snow and ice don’t just look pretty, they also affect the roads. But we also enter the season when the roads are crowded, because of holiday shopping and holiday trips. So to make sure you are well prepared and know how to drive safely on winter roads, here is a guide of safety tips for driving during winter.
Safety Tip # 1 for Winter Driving – Distances and speed
Bad weather conditions affect your visibility as well as the control of your vehicle. So whether you are facing rain, fog or snow you should always make sure to let twice as much safety space between your car and the one you are following. Why? Well simply because you will not be able to control your vehicle as well, which means you also need to reduce your speed. Breaking on a wet road takes more time for your vehicle to stop. On ice it takes up to 3 times more time to stop a car when braking. Also if you are going to fast and you have to brake quickly your car can hydroplane in the rain, and slide on snow and ice resulting in a total lost of control of your vehicle. So keep it slow and stay away from the car in front of you!
Safety Tip # 2 for Winter Driving – Driving on the snow and on ice
Most people think driving in the snow is easy. But if you don’t learn how, your big SUV and 4 by 4 won’t do you any good. When driving in the snow you need to be extra careful and slow. If you drive a stick shift car, stay in second gear. It is the perfect right speed to keep your car stable on the snow. Never accelerate too much or your wheels will spin and not go anywhere. Also never break fast, or you will make your car spin. If you have an ABS system turn it off, it is not helping you in the snow. For automatic cars, try to switch to sequential to stay in 2d gear, and turn off your over drive option. If you don’t see ice on the road it doesn’t mean it is not frozen, so test the road first! 
Remember on snowy and icy road to always break before a turn and accelerate slowly in the middle of the turn.
Safety Tip # 3 for Winter Driving – Driving on the fog and the rain
Winter not only brings snow and ice, but also rain and fog. When driving in the rain remember to keep you lights on and slow down. As mentioned before, braking fast on a wet road can lead to hydroplaning and make your car slide on the road… or off the road. If the fog takes over the surroundings drive even slower. Stay on the far right side and follow the side road line. That helps you to stay on the road and as far away from other vehicles as possible! Also don’t blind other vehicle with full lights. Often they make it worst for you too. Just be patient! It is better to get where you’re going late than never get there at all!
Safety Tip # 5 for Winter Driving – Take care of your vehicle
The most important things to start with it to take care of your vehicle and to be prepared for the winter weather conditions.
- Check tires: make sure your tires are not worn out and inflated appropriately to have a good grip on the road.
- Clean your windows: keep you windows clear and clean. This means in case of ice to get it off all your windows and even your side mirrors. In case of snow clean your car. Do not leave snow of the roof of your car. This is very dangerous as the snow can slide on your windshield and “blind” you. You need to make sure you have all the visibility necessary and avoid any incident affecting it.
- check your wiper blades and anti freeze cleaning: change your wiper blades when needed. Once again visibility is the key for a safe driving. Make sure they do the job and give you a clear windshield. In cold and freezing location make sure to have an anti freeze windshield cleaning product so it is not frozen when you need it.
- Have the right equipment in your car, be prepared: especially if you are planning on driving in cold weather, you must have all the right equipment. In case of snow, if you don’t equip your car with snow tires keep chains in the trunk. Also keep all the tools to keep your car clean. There are snow brooms and ice scarper all in one, they come in handy in the snow! Also, keep jumper cables in case you have trouble starting your car…
- Keep up with your car maintenance: check your battery and your anti freeze coolant to preserve your car radiator.
- Care for your car: patience is really important during winter weather. Let your car warm up. You don’t see a ballet dancer do the slip with out warming up, same for your car. It needs to get ready to start. When you park in the cold, don’t put your E brake on, leave your first gear or bake up gear on. Otherwise your E brake can freeze to your tires. Never force a key in the door in low temperatures.
Here is a list of things you should keep in your car during winter:
- Ice scraper and broom
- Blanket
- Jumper Cables
- Anti Freeze for your windshield cleaning fluid and radiator
- Anti Freeze for your car locks (well, you should not keep those in your car, but close by)
- Water (if it is freezing, remember to bring a fresh bottle and do not leave glass bottles in your car, which can explode, if they freeze up)
So to put in a nutshell, keep your visibility clear, be patient, drive slow and increase your safety distances. And to be sure, check the weather conditions ahead of time to be prepared and give your self up to twice as much time as you normally need, especially if it snows! Have a safe drive and great holidays!
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You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me.
I only just recently discovered the world of blogs, and I have to say you’re quickly becoming one of my favorites. Great post about driving safety in winter weather… Glad this season is over though, but look forward to seeing more from you.