5 Essential Winter Driving Tips
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Looking for Winter Driving Tips?
As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to pile up, there is no denying that winter has arrived. One of the toughest parts of winter is driving on icy roads. For those new to snowy highways and streets, navigating through the slippery traffic will be a challenge.
As weather trends continue to change around the world, more areas that normally don’t see any snow are getting hit with winter storms. Knowing how to stay calm and pilot your vehicle safely on snowy roads can help to keep you and your family safe. The last thing you want to do is call a car accident attorney from a snowy ditch.
Being conscious of the hazards and knowing how to control your vehicle in winter conditions is the key to staying safe on the roads. Let’s take a closer look at a few winter driving tips.
Tires
Snowy conditions on the roads create a lack of traction for your tires. This is what can cause your vehicle to slip and slide on the roads. If you don’t have the right tires on your car, your traction can be dangerously low. While it’s possible to drive in the snow with regular tires, investing in snow tires should be a priority if you live somewhere that gets normal winter weather. Winter tires are specifically designed to give you a better grip on the snow and ice.
Go Slow
When it comes to winter driving, you need to be patient and go slow. There is no destination important enough to risk putting you or your family’s safety when driving in the winter. Give yourself plenty of time to make your trip to avoid being forced to rush.
It can be tricky to stop quickly when driving in the snow. Soft braking and reduced speeds can help you to bring your car to a full stop when needed. Keep your speed to a minimum so that you will have an easier time maintaining control of your vehicle.
Soft Braking
If you hit the brakes hard in the snow, you are likely to go into a slide that could put you in the ditch. If you need to stop your car, slowly apply the brake and keep control of your vehicle. Keep your speeds slow so that your vehicle is easier to stop.
Emergency Kit
Even the most skilled drivers can end up in a snowy ditch during the winter. It’s important that you have the supplies that you need to survive in your car until help arrives. It is one of the most essential winter driving tips.
Your winter emergency kit should include:
- A foldable shovel
- Cat litter or sand
- Water
- Thermal blanket
- Extra clothes
- High-protein snacks
- Candles
- Emergency flares
- Hats and gloves
- First aid kit
Leave Space
Even when the roads are covered in snow, there is no getting away from traffic. To keep you safe, it’s important to leave enough space between you and other vehicles so that you can stop. It’s much more likely for your car to slide into another vehicle when you are trying to stop in the winter. Leave a minimum of five to six car lengths between you and other cars to stay safe.
Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe!
Winter driving can be dangerous. With the right knowledge and supplies, you have a better chance of staying safe on wintery roads. The best advice is to stay home when the roads are bad, but if you have to go out, be sure to follow these tips to help you stay safe on the roads this winter.
