‘Tis the season for possible snowfall! Even though we didn’t have a White Christmas, snowflakes will eventually be falling. We find that new and even experienced drivers can be caught up with no, or even worse, wrong information and knowledge for driving in snow and ice. This is an area where you don’t want to be reactive. Here are some proactive tips to keep handy and to pass along!
1. Avoid Distractions
Driving in dicey conditions takes extra concentration. Keep cabin noise low, keep your eyes on the road, adjust things (fiddle with radio, GPS) when fully stopped, and for the sake of everyone on the road – put your phone where you cannot reach it.
2. Be One Step Ahead
You must look farther and react faster when the possibility of ice is on the road. Think about what you will do way before you do it. Slow down sooner for turns and stops. Anticipate other drivers every possible move.
3. Look at Your Destination
If you feel yourself beginning to slide, look at where you mean to end up. Your peripherals will help you with where you are going. It sounds weird, but research and experience have proven that you will always end up where you are looking when driving.
4. Stay Deliberate, but Gentle
Avoid sudden movements as much as you can when driving in snow and ice. Jerky moves can unsettle the tires’ grip on a surface. When ice and snow are involved, this is very important to remember. Tight traction is the key! Pretend there is a two-tiered wedding cake in your backseat that you must keep upright!
5. Stay Put
An uneasy driver is an unsafe driver. If you are scared or even just truly worried, stay put. We’ve gotten really good at staying in, communicating virtually, working remotely, etc. over the last couple of years! Even if you are fantastic at driving in bad weather, why take the risk? It’s best to just wait it out.
6. Increase Your Distance
Allow more of a space between you and other cars when driving in snow and ice. Five to six seconds is a good rule of thumb. Sometimes actions will need to be made swiftly and anticipation for another car is hard to have. Give yourself more time and space to cushion for sudden stops.
7. Avoid Stopping
While most stopping can’t be avoided, you can roll slowly at certain times to avoid stopping altogether. When you fully stop, acceleration is much harder to accomplish during snow or icy conditions. Drive slower when stops are expected. Pay attention to stopping cars ahead to gauge yourself.
8. Conquer the Hill
Hills can be especially tricky in the snow. Don’t speed up like crazy, but don’t stop either. Get a steady, smooth lower speed on flat ground and stick with it. The smooth acceleration should get you all the way up.
9. Don’t Use Cruise Control
You need to be in full control of the vehicle when icy occasions arise. Your speed will vary during the entire drive, so there is no need to automate it.
10. Make sure your Car is Winter Ready
Make sure you have emergency ready supplies, just in case. Here is a list! Check your tire pressure to make sure they are properly inflated. Also, make sure they are not bald. Don’t let your gas get down to lower levels. Half a tank is ideal.
Bottom Line for Driving in Snow and Ice
We hope these tips will help you in your winter driving adventures. Remember, speeding to make up time is not worth it. The holidays can be crazy with all the running around, shopping and visiting people. There will be more people on the road. If the roads are bad, those people will all be nervous. When tension is high, roads are icy, and traffic is awful, that’s when it’s a good time to just stay put! Drive safe!
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