As we get closer to winter weather, Audilous wants you to practice safety.
Driving in snowy conditions can be challenging and requires extra caution to ensure safety on the road. Snow and ice can create hazardous driving environments, leading to decreased visibility and slippery surfaces. Here are some essential snow driving safety tips to help keep you and others safe during winter weather:
1. Prepare Your Vehicle: Before the snow season begins, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the battery, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. Ensure that your tires are suitable for winter driving; winter tires or all-season tires with good tread are recommended for better traction in snow and ice.
2. Clear Snow and Ice: Completely clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof of your vehicle before driving. This ensures maximum visibility and prevents snow from falling onto the windshield or other vehicles while driving.
3. Drive Slowly: Reduce your speed significantly when driving on snowy or icy roads. Accelerating, stopping, and turning take longer on slippery surfaces, and driving slower gives you more control over your vehicle.
4. Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This increased following distance provides more time to react and stop if necessary.
5. Use Gentle Movements: Avoid sudden movements when accelerating, braking, or turning. Gentle and gradual inputs help prevent skidding and loss of control.
6. Know How to Handle Skids: If your vehicle begins to skid, remain calm. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply firm pressure to the brakes.
7. Avoid Cruise Control: Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces. It can be dangerous, as you need to be in full control of your vehicle’s speed and response to changing road conditions.
8. Be Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses: These areas tend to freeze first and can be more slippery than other parts of the road. Approach bridges and overpasses with extra caution.
9. Plan Your Route: Before setting out, check the weather and road conditions. Allow extra time for travel and consider alternative routes that may be safer or less congested.
10. Keep an Emergency Kit: Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit that includes items such as a flashlight, blankets, snacks, water, a first-aid kit, and a shovel. This can be invaluable if you become stranded or encounter an emergency.
11. Stay Informed: Keep an ear on weather updates and road condition reports. Being informed can help you make better decisions about whether to travel and when to adjust your plans.
12. Stay Home If Necessary: If the weather conditions are severe and driving seems unsafe, consider postponing your trip or using public transportation if available.
Driving in snow requires patience and preparedness. By following these safety tips and using common sense, you can navigate snowy roads more confidently and keep yourself and others safe.
