Tips For Driving In Winter
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By Anna Finger
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Winter driving can be treacherous, even on cloudless days with no snow in sight. Black ice can become blended in with the asphalt, creating a huge risk and danger to
those who are driving. So before you take your car out on the road, here are a few tips you should always keep in mind when driving in winter conditions.
- Always prepare your car. Know what weather conditions you'll be facing once you hit the road. Make sure your car is properly fitted with snow tires and tire chains if
necessary. Make sure your fuel tank is full, your wipers are ready, your battery charged, and that you have no leaks.
- Take supplies with you. You never know what the road can bring you. It's a good idea to have a winter emergency kit on hand just in case of anything happens. Make sure
you always carry a phone with you, along with a charger, in case of emergency. Keep some non-perishable food with you along with water. You should even take an extra set of
clothes and a blanket. Even if you don't plan on driving out of the city, emergencies can happen everywhere.
- Clean the snow and ice off of your car. Clean off the whole windshield, your hood and the top of your car. Don't forget to clear your headlights and rear lights. By doing
all of this, it creates a safer environment for yourself as a driver, and for other drivers on the road.
- Drive slow and steady. Avoid sharp turns or quick stops. Give yourself double the room between cars, as you would during normal weather. If you do start to slide, don't
panic, hit the brakes or jerk your wheel. Turn the wheel steadily in the opposite direction that you're sliding. Slowly press on the brakes. If you don't have anti-lock brakes,
press on the brake pedal gently, let up, and press again until you come to a stop. For those with anti-lock brakes, simply press the brake pedal gently until the car stops.
- Don't use cruise control. You need to be in control of your car at all times. If you are going over an overpass or a bridge, be aware that these areas are more incline to be icy.
- Use low-beam headlights when driving, because they make you more visible to other drivers from both the front and the rear.
- If you have rear-wheel drive, weigh down the rear with sandbags to give you more traction.
