Winter conditions can be downright scary when you’re traveling through a snowstorm. If you are a new driver, or new to an area that receives a large amount of snow, there are winter driving safety several tips that you need to know about.
Here are several driving safety tips that can keep you and your vehicle safe while traveling this winter season:
Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
You’ll find out real quick that trying to accelerate fast will only have you spinning your tires. That’s because there is no friction due to the fact that your tires are unable to grip the road as easily. Accelerate and decelerate your vehicle slowly during winter driving.
Allow Plenty of Time to Brake
The snowy roads and sloppy conditions make it much harder to slow your vehicle. You want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to stop. If you don’t, your car will be sledding through an intersection or kissing someone else’s bumper.
Don’t Lock Up the Brakes
Never hit the brakes hard to come to a stop, especially on snowy, icy roads. This can cause your anti-lock braking system to cause a major problem for you. Simply tap the brakes well before you are coming up on an intersection.
Avoid the Brakes if You Begin Sliding
Whenever your car begins to slide in the wrong direction due to a patch of ice, your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes. Don’t! Brakes can actually make your situation worse when your car begins to swerve. Slowly steer into the skid with your foot off the accelerator, and you should be able to straighten back out.
Increase Your Distance
It’s also a smart idea to put distance between you and the guy in front. This might mean driving slower and allowing yourself more time to get places. Increasing your distance will allow you all the time you need to slow your vehicle in time.
Don’t Warm Your Vehicle in a Closed Garage
Whatever you do, don’t warm your vehicle in a garage or enclosed area. The fumes are lethal, and they can kill you. If you are warming your car up, make sure the garage door is open.
Keep Warm Gear in Your Car
During the winter season, you’ll want to make sure that you have hats, gloves, boots, and blankets in your car. If your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down, you’ll need warmer gear then the coat you may be wearing.
Stay With Your Vehicle
Your vehicle provides shelter from the elements. Even if your car breaks down on you, it’s best to stay in your vehicle when temperatures are freezing. Make sure that you have your hazards on so that someone is able to help you.
These are several driving safety tips that you need to keep in mind during your winter commute. What other driving tips have you discovered while trekking through the snow for many seasons? Hit up your local car dealership to ensure you are winter driving ready!
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