When the weather outside is frightful, the roads can be terrifying. Depending on where you live, winter can bring along a barrage of snow, sleet and ice, which make for some seriously unsafe driving conditions. The best way to stay safe from slick roads is to stay off of them. But if you can’t, here are some winter driving safety tips to keep in mind before you get behind the wheel.
Safe Winter Driving Tips
When it comes to winter weather safety tips, preparation is key.
- Do a car maintenance check
The Insurance Information Institute (III) says having a well-maintained vehicle is one of the first crucial winter driving tips.
- Make sure the tread on your tires is in good shape and the tire pressure meets manufacturer’s recommendations
- Check your brakes, battery, hoses, defroster/heater
- Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and your fluid reservoirs are full
- Keep gas tank at least half full
- Carry a winter emergency kit
Stash a small shovel, rock salt, ice scraper, snowbrush, flashlight, blanket, first aid kit and jumper cables in your trunk all winter long
- Drive with headlights on
While you may be driving in daytime, headlights do wonders for helping you see and be seen. Some people aren’t privy to winter driving tips, so anything you can do proactively will help everyone on the road.
- Clear snow and ice from your vehicle
You’ve probably been stuck behind someone who didn’t bother to clear the snow off their roof and ends up leaving a trail of blizzard-like conditions behind them. Don’t be one of them. Clear snow and ice from windows, lights, mirrors and roof before you get on the road.
- Manage your time
When going out for a drive in the winter, leave adequate time for your travels and make sure your cell phone is completely charged. Depending on where you are traveling, consider taking along tire chains, which will help you better navigate the dangerous road conditions.
- Protect teen drivers
New drivers need extra help when it comes to winter driving safety. Make sure teen motorists are exposed to the snow and ice driving experience before they go out on their own. Practice with them in a safe environment like an empty parking lot.
Still have questions? You’re not alone. According to NJ insurance agency Sharer and Associates, motorists often ask the following questions regarding safe winter driving tips:
Do snow tires make a difference?
Absolutely. Putting snow tires on your vehicle could very well be the single most important recommendation for winter driving safety. Not only will they help your vehicle perform better in snowy conditions, they will transform a rear wheel drive car into a veritable snow mobile that stops, corners and changes lanes without the back end sliding. Typically lasting about three seasons, snow tires usually cost less than an insurance deductible, and using them will help your summer tires last longer. In fact, your local repair shop will likely store your summer tires for you over the winter months!
What should I do if my car starts skidding on a slippery road?
First off, go a slower speed on winter roads. If your vehicle begins to skid, look where you want your car to go, not where you are heading, and turn your steering wheel toward that area. Don’t over-steer your vehicle.
What is the best way to drive uphill in wintery weather?
While you should drive slower in winter weather, it’s easy to get stuck spinning your wheels on a hill when you drive too slowly. Maintaining momentum is key. Approach the hill with enough speed, and keep light and balanced pressure on the gas pedal. Once you reach the top of the hill, slow your speed and descend as slowly as possible.
Do I need additional insurance for winter?
No extra insurance is required for the winter months. Quality car insurance covers you all year round. However, winter safety tips include making sure your policy has "Loss of use" coverage so you can get a rental car if you get into an accident.
Protection and defensive driving techniques are crucial to winter driving safety. Before you hit the road this winter, be sure to follow the winter weather safety tips above. No matter how old you are when you are behind the wheel, the unexpected can happen in a split second. Knowing the facts about safe winter driving can help prevent an accident.