Winter Weather Driving Tips

With winter weather upon is, it’s important to know how to drive in ice and snow. Of course, the best advice for driving in snow and ice is to not drive at all unless it’s absolutely necessary. Here are some other tips from weather.com for winter driving.

Don’t go out until the sand and salt trucks have had a chance to work on the roads, and always allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Make sure your care is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions. Consider practicing winter driving techniques in a snow-covered, open parking lot to become familiar with your car’s functioning in winter weather. Also, check your owner’s manual for additional vehicle-specific tips.

Driving Safely on Ice

• Slow down and leave yourself plenty of room to brake. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and cars in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. Should your wheels lock up, ease off the brake.
• Keep your lights on to increase visibility for yourself and others.
• Keep your lights and windshield as clean and unobstructed as possible.
• Use low gears to maintain traction, especially when traveling up or down hills.
• Avoid using cruise control or overdrive.
• Be extremely cautious on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads since they will freeze first. At temperatures above freezing, keep in mind, that wet conditions could lead to ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Never pass snowplows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility and the roads behind them will be much safer and easier to travel than the roads they haven’t tended to yet.
• Never assume your vehicle can handle all winter weather conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive cars are susceptible to trouble on winter roads.

For more tips and tricks, visit weather.com.