Dealing with Winter Driving

Driving in and of itself has always been a risky situation, but that truth is even more true today with the additional road congestion, something we call road rage, and the use of mind-altering substances, distractions that were hardly an issue in the past. When in addition to all this, you have to deal with the challenges of driving in the winter, you have a real recipe for disaster.

When you include snow, ice, freezing rain, and poor visibility you are adding in a whole new set of challenges, all of which require extra caution an the part of the driver. But here are some strategies that can help you to stay safe when the snow is blowing, temperatures are freezing, and you’re thinking you'd rather be somewhere else:
• Reduce your speed. In the winter it is a common situation to have your traction reduced, so to cope with this you need to reduce your speed as well. Don’t let the cars behind you pressure you, and don’t think about about being late to somewhere. To make up for the lost time, start your trip a little earlier.

• Improve your following distance. Under normal conditions, there should be a distance of at least a 3-second between you and the vehicle in front of you. For each condition that might be considered as being hazardous, add another second. As an example, when you are driving in snow, you need to add a second making the following distance four seconds. If you are driving at night and it is snowing then add another second for following distance.

• Be careful while braking. Too much pressure on the brakes can put you into a skid. Because most cars today have anti-lock brakes, you don’t have to pump the brake pedal. Simply keep a constant pressure while braking and even in slippery conditions, you will have better braking and steering control.

• Be careful when in icy areas. Slow down and pay attention when approaching areas where ice forms most easily, such as bridges, overpasses, shady spots as well as intersections. If you no longer hear the sound of your tires on pavement, get off the gas immediately, you may be driving on black ice.

• In snow, look to drive in the ruts. You will find that your tires are better able to gain traction when driving in the tracks made by tire traffic, so stay in the ruts. In the event that it is necessary for you to change lanes, grip the wheel firmly and travel slowly and smoothly.

• Stay at home! In the weather is really bad, delay or avoid all but the most essential travel.