Driving can be dangerous when wintertime rolls around, starting with the bad weather and nasty road conditions. Other danger factors include more hours of darkness, mechanical failures owing to cold and driver fatigue. All can exacerbate your odds of experiencing an accident. Motorists should know the safe winter driving rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. Winter driving presents a number of challenges to both you and your vehicle. Your vehicle’s mechanical abilities are tested by the cold weather, and dangerous winter driving conditions test your abilities as a driver.
Here are safety tips for winter driving:
Visibility Works Both Ways
In addition to there being fewer daylight hours in winter, other reduced visibility factors include snow, rain and sleet. It’s also true that many drivers simply can’t see as well at night. With those in mind, here are some actions you can take to make your journey safer:
- Use your headlights at all times, not just for low light situations.
- Double your normal vehicle following interval in poor visibility and on wet pavement.
- Install new wiper blades.
- Clean off your windows, head and taillights thoroughly when it snows.
A good rule of thumb is: If you can’t see the other driver they probably can’t see you!
Get a Vehicle Checkup
Before winter, have your car thoroughly inspected by a mechanic, especially if you live in regions prone to cold, snow and ice. They should check the following on your vehicle:
- Battery
- Tires and tread wear
- Antifreeze level, integrity and radiator hoses
- Heating system
- Exhaust system for leaks
Neglecting a preventative checkup leaves you open to mechanical failures, which could strand you by the roadside. If this occurs during bad winter weather conditions, your odds for a roadside crash increase.
When traveling for the holidays, whether it’s a drive across town or a road trip across multiple states, your car should be ready for winter weather with a good tune-up. Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by checking your tire pressure, wiper blades, windshield wiper fluid, batter and charging system, and cooling system.Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times, and get your car serviced to prepare for the winter driving season.
Stay Awake at the Wheel
Cold weather, illnesses and reduced sunlight means that many people are less active in the winter months. Inactivity promotes drowsiness which, when combined with poor wintertime driving conditions, greatly increases your collision odds.
The holiday season can be a stressful time. Often, that stress contributes to slower reaction times behind the wheel, lack of concentration, or even nodding off. In an effort to stay alert while on the road and especially on those long holiday trips, get plenty of sleep, increase your caffeine intake, and keep your mind stimulated with conversation and noise. Crack the window a bit if it’s cold outside so that the frosty air can keep you alert and awake.
If you’re sleepy, distracted, or have been drinking it’s a wise decision not to get behind the wheel. If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver. Aside from having to deal with possible winter driving conditions, it’s simply common sense. Our phones can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, so make sure you have a hands-free device should you need to make a call, and avoid texting completely.
These tips should help minimize stress while keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road. In addition, the National Safety Council has many general holiday safety tips.
Winter Weather and Traffic Reports
Watch weather reports prior to driving to anticipate the weather conditions expected. Traffic reports also help you prepare for your trip by notifying you of hazards, delays, and travel times. Traffic can be extremely heavy during the holidays. Plan on leaving early or staying later to avoid stressful traffic jams. Also, pay attention to traffic reports when you plan your trip to best avoid crowded highways and roads or roads that have yet to be cleared of snow and ice
Be Prepared if Stranded in a Winter Storm
In case you do get stranded, make sure you always have a cell phone, blankets, gloves, hats, food, water, and any medication you may need in your vehicle. Stay with your vehicle until help arrives, because it provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to journey out on foot in a severe storm. It’s easy to walk away, lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
Prepare a Vehicle Emergency Kit
Just as you may have a tornado or severe storm kit in your basement, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car in case of extreme conditions. In the winter months especially, there are many items that could prove to be very useful in an unfortunate weather-related situation or accident that causes you to be exposed to extreme temperatures.
Start your kit with some basic essentials, such as non-perishable food items (i.e. canned goods or snacks), and bottled water. Pack enough for all the people typically in your car.
Next, a few handy tools to add to your kit include:
- A windshield ice scraper
- A multi-purpose utility tool, such as a pocket knife
- An LED flashlight with spare batteries
- And a bag of cat litter
Yes, you read that right. Cat litter is a great, lightweight alternative to salt or sand that can be used to free your car from snow banks or icy patches.
A classic first-aid kit may be in your car already, but it’s worth a second look to ensure it still has a full supply. Lastly, tucking a warm blanket in your trunk is also a good idea in case your car won’t start, or you have to wait for assistance in cold temperatures.
Take a look at which of these items you already have in your car, and consider adding the ones you don’t. You will be happy you did if you ever come across a situation when you need them. Leave a comment below with any items you would add to our list!
Brake Appropriately
When driving in winter conditions, accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best way for regaining traction and avoiding skids. It takes longer to slow down on icy roads, so take time to brake sooner and slowly before coming to a stop light. 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. Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock 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 Take Risks During Winter Storms
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.
If Winter Accidents Happen, Help is Nearby
These tips should help minimize stress while keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road. In addition, the National Safety Council has many general holiday safety tips. However, even if you implement these winter safe driving tips, getting in an accident is still an unfortunate possibility. If that happens, take heart in knowing that there are a number of top-quality auto body repair shops near you that can get you back on the road quickly, reliably and affordably. For a list of collision repair professionals in your area and consumer reviews, just enter your zip code here: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/ Visit AAA’s YouTube page for more videos on winter driving tips.
