Safety Tips for Driving in Snow And Ice
Safety Tips for Driving in Snow And Ice
Tips for long-distance winter trips:
- Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving ing in isolated areas. Delay trips when the especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.
- Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by an Approved Auto Repair facility.
- Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
- Pack a cellular telephone with your local telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water, and any needed medication in your vehicle.
- If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
- Don’t over-exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice, or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
- Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers, or paper maps.
- If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.
Tips for driving in the snow:
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
- Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
- The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
- Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
- Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
- Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
- Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
- Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
FAQ: Safety Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice
1. What should I do before driving in snowy conditions?
Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Check the battery, tires (consider winter tires), brakes, and windshield wipers.
Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze-up.
Stock your vehicle with emergency supplies, such as blankets, a flashlight, food, water, and a first-aid kit.
2. How should I adjust my driving speed in snow and ice?
Reduce your speed significantly. Slippery roads require longer stopping distances, so it’s essential to drive slower than usual.
Be mindful of speed limits; they are set for ideal conditions.
3. What is the best way to steer when I start to skid?
Steer into the skid. If the rear of your vehicle is sliding left, steer left; if it’s sliding right, steer right.
Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can worsen the skid.
4. How can I improve visibility during a snowstorm?
Use your headlights, even during the day, to increase visibility.
Keep your windshield clear by using your defroster and wipers regularly.
5. What should I do if I get stuck in snow?
Stay with your vehicle and call for help if necessary.
If you can, clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Use sand, kitty litter, or car mats under the tires for traction.
6. Are there any specific driving techniques I should use?
Avoid sudden movements; make gradual changes in speed and direction.
Increase the following distance to at least six seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
7. What should I do if I encounter black ice?
Stay calm and avoid sudden maneuvers. Keep your steering steady and gently ease off the accelerator.
If you can, steer toward an area with more traction, like a shoulder or a dry spot.
8. How can I prepare for a long drive in winter conditions?
Plan your route ahead of time and check weather forecasts.
Inform someone of your travel plans and estimated arrival time.
Take breaks to assess road conditions and rest if needed.
9. When should I avoid driving altogether?
If conditions are extremely poor, such as during a heavy snowstorm or when roads are closed, it’s best to stay off the roads.
10. What should I do after a winter accident?
Ensure everyone is safe and call for medical help if needed.
Move vehicles to a safe location if possible and exchange information with other drivers.
Document the scene with photos and contact your insurance provider.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safer driving experience in snowy and icy conditions. Stay safe out there!
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