Poor weather and frigid temperatures can be scary for experienced and new drivers.
If this is your first winter on the road, you may not have traveled in challenging or dangerous conditions.
Winter safety isn’t only about making sure your automobile is in good shape; it’s also about how your actions can reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Here are 10 suggestions for driving safely in winter weather.
Relax
In the winter, it’s not worth rushing and risking an accident. Driving gently and smoothly will help you avoid hazards and protect your car.
Taking your time, even if it means lengthier journeys, means not pressuring other drivers. In bad weather, tailgating a cautious driver is not helpful, could cause an accident, and won’t get you anywhere faster.
Remember To Stop
When calculating stopping distances, give other road users plenty of room.
In poor conditions, stopping distance can vary. Wet or slick surfaces can increase braking distances if visibility is poor.
Wet weather doubles stopping distances because tires have less grip. It’s 10 times higher with ice and snow.
Keep Snow Off Your Car.
Before you leave, you must be able to see clearly out of all the windows and mirrors, not just via a frosted windscreen peephole.
Don’t forget the roof – snow might fall over your windscreen while driving, blocking your visibility or falling into the path of other drivers. Clear your plates and lights.
Safe Rain-And-Sleet Driving
Wet weather and road spray can make it harder to see and be seen by other vehicles. Drive slowly. Darkness makes it harder to notice flooded roads, and you shouldn’t drive through flood water if you’re unsure of its depth.
Don’t Be Dazzled
Strong winds are most likely to affect high-sided vehicles, although they can also blow smaller vehicles off course.
If you’re driving in high gusts, keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel, especially if the steering feels light and you’re constantly correcting your direction. Slow down.
Fog Driving
Driving in fog is dangerous, so make sure your lights are on and stay a safe distance from other drivers. Before slowing down, check your mirrors and apply your brakes so drivers behind you can see.
Sun’s Out!
Low winter sun glare can be one of the worst driving conditions; you can feel blinded.
Slow down and utilize your sun visor; have sunglasses in your car year-round. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, as they may have similar issues, and brake quickly.
In Ice And Snow, Use Gears.
When the road is covered, avoid hasty actions. Drive slowly in as high a gear as feasible; automatics may have a winter mode (check your handbook).
Beware Holiday Drinks
This is the season to be joyful, but not at the risk of your own or others’ safety.
Avoiding driving home after a night out isn’t the only reason to stay under the legal drinking limit.
Do You Have To?
Even if you make a winter trip as safe as possible, you have to ask if it’s worth it.
If you’re heading home or to family and friends, it may feel like a must, but consider traveling at a different time or on a different day, especially if there are weather warnings or you know your route is problematic.
Then
If you passed your test in the spring or later, you may have never driven in snow, ice, or darkness. If you’re not confident, consider a safe drivers course or advanced driver training.