Safe winter driving tips!

Here are a few key tips for snow/ice driving:

•  Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, leaves, sand). It can be harder to control the car if you need a quick stop.

• Make sure all the snow is cleared off the whole car, including the roof and tail lights!!
• Check to make sure your headlights are on while driving in the snow and rain.
• Make sure you have weatherized antifreeze and wind shield washer fluid, not water. It can freeze and break the tank.

• Always wear your seat belt.
• Be wary of plows and salt trucks while driving. Remember, the roads behind them are much safer than those in front. They are plowing for a reason.
• Remember too that the speed limits may not apply if the roads are bad. It's safer to go slower.
• It's easier to drive slower than to have to break often, which causes spin outs and sliding.
   
• STAY OFF THE CELLPHONE while driving, especially in bad weather!

 


 
How to get out of a slide or 'fishtail":

You can be pulled over for this.

First, try to drive below 45 MPH to avoid this, but if it does happen, here are a few pointers on how to correct it. As soon as it happens, take your foot off the brake. Your brakes may be locking up and then make the car entirely useless. Then slowly start to slow down and gently turn the steering wheel in the direction your back end is sliding into. Don't go too far or it could cause more sliding and spinning. But if it does happen, turn in the opposite direction lightly. Do these motions without jerking the wheel. It is very scary to slide and spin, but panicked motions will only make it worse. Spins and slides are very hard to get out of, but these tips can help! This is useful for black-ice too.

Specific ice driving:

If you see an accident, try not to stop and help unless of serious danger. It might cause a pileup, so if with someone else, call the authorities who are more knowledgeable and helpful in the situation. 

If you are in an accident on icy roads, it might be best to get out and away from your car. One icy accident is usually sure to bring a few more on. People get panicked, break, slide and crash. Be aware of your surroundings.

For long distance driving in inclement weather:

Make a kit, just in case!

Drive slower than normal and let someone know where you are going and your ETA.  Check the weather report before you go; if you don't need to drive then stay home and safe.

It might be a safe bet to keep sand or kitty litter (traction while getting unstuck), windshield scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, bottled water and dry non-perishable snacks in the car too. This could come in handy in case a big snow storm comes and you are unable to safely drive your car or no one is able to get out and help you if your car breaks down. Also, you don't want to risk exposure trying to walk and find help.

This is visible to rescuers.

If stranded: Stay in your vehicle (if it's safe) with something colorful on the exterior of the car for rescuers to spot easily. While with your vehicle, check that the tail pipe is clear of snow and debris before heating the car; you don't want to accidentally poison yourself trying to keep warm.

Do you know the difference between wheel drives?

All wheel drive (AWD):  The main feature, available for a variety of vehicles, is all the wheels have power to them and can work together or separately for better traction control. There are not many limits to an AWD vehicle; it's great for everyday driving, snow, rain and high performance (Not so much off-roading though). The best part is the vehicle knows when to send power to each wheel, so no participation is needed from the driver. I would say this is your best bet for an all around good vehicle in good and bad weather.

Four wheel drive (4WD): This feature is usually in larger vehicles like pick-ups and SUVs. It works by sending power to only the wheels that need it (in sets of two). All of them can be used, but generally the rear gets most of the power until the front has use for it. The front then gets half the work, which is great for plowing, large amounts of debris (Mud, snow, etc.) and hills. However, when this feature is not needed, its pretty much just a heavy rear wheel drive vehicle with bad gas mileage. So, if you don't have the need for it, it's not worth it. 

Stay behind the plows.

Front wheel drive (FWD): This is most common in modern sedan type cars and crossovers. The front wheels control the car which is a better option that rear wheel drive. They also have better gas mileage and are all around pretty good vehicles in bad weather. Although they are great everyday cars, it's not optimal for high performance and tight driving. It also doesn't help too much that they are lighter cars, which can hinder traction control a bit.


Rear wheel drive (RWD):  This type of wheel drive was standard for most cars. They are lighter cars with better weight distribution, especially for high performance driving and police officers. But in the snow, they are sometimes a mess. 'Fishtailing' and sliding are all too familiar for drivers, especially for pick-up drivers. If you do have a RWD vehicle in the snow, putting extra weight in the back can be useful. These are the worst vehicles for winter driving.

For more information on how to keep safe in busy parking lots during the holidays, check this out!