Winter Driving Tips
January 28, 2016
Although it took longer than usual to get here, Alden’s winter season is in full swing. Whether you love or hate the snow, you will most likely have to drive in it. It’s important to take necessary precautions before hitting the road.
First, make sure to never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage, and always keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow, ice, or mud to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, maintain at least a half tank of gas at all times to avoid gas line freeze-up.
Tire tread should not be worn down to less than 1/8 of an inch to ensure proper traction on icy roads. Snow tires are definitely a good idea, and sandbags are a relatively cheap way to give trucks and light cars some added weight. Placing two large sandbags in your trunk or truck bed can help to increase friction. Clearing off your vehicle completely is essential, especially head and tail lights. Remember that speed limits are meant for dry roads, not roads covered in ice and snow. It’s important to slow down and keep at least an 8-10 second distance between cars, instead of the usual 3-4 seconds. In addition, refrain from using cruise control when conditions are slippery.
Accelerating and decelerating slowly helps to regain traction and avoid skids. In case your car does skid, follow these steps:
- Remain calm.
- Don’t slam on the brakes.
- Take your foot off the gas.
- Steer your car in the direction you want to go.
- Wait for the car to slow down so you can regain control.
There is also the possibility of getting stranded in the snow. Staying in your vehicle provides temporary shelter and warmth, while making it easier for a rescuer to locate you. Make sure to only run the engine long enough to maintain heat, and then turn it off to conserve gas. It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit so you’re prepared for this type of situation. Some helpful items include:
- Booster cables
- Cloth/Roll of paper towels
- Flashlight
- Gloves/Blankets
- Nonperishable food
- Shovel/Snow brush/Ice scraper
- Small bag of sand, salt, or kitty litter to spread around tires to increase traction
- Warning devices such as flares or triangles
- Window-washing solution
Drive with care and stay safe on the roads this winter!
Loading ...
Alex Wasielewski • Feb 23, 2016 at 8:17 am
This was very interesting. The snow did come very late this year. Driving in it can be very stressful, and sometimes scary. Whenever it snows bad, the roads are very slushy. It can also be dangerous walking because you are always slipping and sliding. Thank you for informing me on this.
Mckenzie Gadd • Feb 23, 2016 at 8:12 am
Driving in the winter is definitely a challenge and I think it is critical for new drivers and many foreigners to learn the risks and dangers to driving in the snow. This article gives a perfect example of tips and the Do’s and Don’ts to driving.
Bethany Dudley • Feb 23, 2016 at 8:06 am
It is very important to take safe precautions while driving in the winter. It is also important for teens, and new drivers to have safe tips for driving in the winter. These tips will help me for when I start driving in the future. It is better to know these things before, instead of learning after the fact.
Jessica Giglia • Feb 22, 2016 at 12:08 pm
These are some really good tips for people afraid of driving in the snow. Since we’re in Erie county, you’re bound to have to deal with snow sometimes. My mom actually got stuck in the snow once on her way to work. Luckily, she’s a smart woman and had a little shovel in the trunk of her car. This advice should be spread to every place that has to deal with never ending snow. It can prevent many accidents from happening.