From November to March you are bound to find the roads at their busiest; it’s one of the busiest road trip seasons of the year. This is due in large part to the Snowbirds that make their way south for the winter, holiday travelers and winter sports enthusiasts on their way to football games. Aside from cold temperatures, snow, sleet and other adverse weather effects, winter is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. This makes it imperative you learn a few driving tips for the winter season designed to keep you, and everyone else on the road safe.
Image courtesy of dmealiffe
Know before you go your route. One of the worst things you can do on the road is get lost; looking at maps, making phone calls or fiddling with your navigation system distracts you from watching the road, which is even worse when you are traveling in an area in which you are unfamiliar driving.
Pack a winter survival safety kit with a flashlight, cat litter for traction problems, a cell phone, an ice scraper, tow rope, blankets, candles, matches and a portable weather radio. Take it a little further by including non-perishable foods and plenty of water to last until help arrives.
Check your tires. Cold temperatures reduce the tire pressure in your vehicle, causing your vehicle to function at below normal capacity. When driving in the snow, always use snow chains. If it is not snowing but might, keep a set of snow chains in your vehicle. Keep in mind that snow tires almost always outperform all other tires on the market.
Brake slowly; stepping too forcefully on your brakes can cause you to skid on icy roads, which can incite panic in many winter drivers. Instead, step lightly on the brakes when slowing down. If you cannot avoid slamming on your brakes and it results in a skid, turn your wheel gently in the direction you want the front of your car to go and let off the brakes.
Keep yourself feeling good when driving in the cold weather. This may sound slightly ridiculous but the cold weather has a different effect on your body than any other time of year, which affects your driving. Cold weather affects your health, which means you need more nourishment on a cold day than any other day. High-energy food is better than salty, sugary snacks for this. Additionally, dehydration is entirely possible in cold weather and it is necessary for you to keep hydrated with water to optimize your driving performance. Also, you should make frequent rest stops when traveling in the cold to loosen your muscles, which allows you to drive better in the winter weather.
If your car breaks down, stay in it. Wait for help in your vehicle where it is warm. If your car still runs and is merely stuck in the snow it is absolutely imperative that you check the exhaust pipe to ensure it is clear of any obstructions. Otherwise you run the risk of allowing carbon monoxide into the vehicle, which will kill you.
When driving in cold weather, it is better to drive too slowly than too fast. However, driving too slow will not give your enough momentum to clear snow banks if need be.
Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the automotive, technology, and business industries for three years. When Nicole bought her new car last year she made sure to check online for quotes on auto insurance to make sure she was getting the best deals and had the best coverage possible. This Year Nicole made sure to prepare for the winter driving season. She made sure to check daily deals on snow tires to make sure she is safe on the roads but also save money.
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