Stay Safe on the Road This Winter with These Tips

Tips for Driving in the Snow this Winter

When driving in the snow this winter, it's essential to accelerate and decelerate slowly. By applying the gas gradually, you can regain traction and avoid skids. Remember, it takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Additionally, increase your following distances. While the normal dry pavement following distance is 3-4 seconds, in winter weather, it should be 8-10 seconds to create enough space to stop safely.

Know your brakes well. The best way to stop is through threshold braking - keeping the heel of your foot on the floor and using the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure. This technique works whether you have antilock brakes or not. If possible, stay home when there are bad winter road conditions. It's better to avoid the risks altogether.

What not to do while driving in winter weather

Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads often leads to wheel spin. Instead, build some inertia before reaching the hill and then reduce your speed as you reach the top and go downhill slowly. Don't continue driving at the same speed as in clear, dry conditions. Your tire traction is significantly reduced in rainy, snowy, and icy conditions, so slow down to regain traction.

Don't brake and turn at the same time or be rough with your steering and braking. Brake first, then turn, and then accelerate. Avoid slamming on the brakes as it increases the chance of skidding. Be gentle with your steering and acceleration as well. If you do skid, keep looking and steer your vehicle in the direction you want to go.

Don't follow behind vehicles too closely. Your vehicle can't slow down as quickly on slippery roads, so increase your following distances to at least 5-6 seconds. Keep an open space to one side of your vehicle in case you need to make an emergency lane change maneuver.

Stock your car with these items in the winter months

Having these emergency supplies on hand can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stuck in your car during a winter weather event. A snow shovel, ice scraper, and broom will help you clear the snow. Warning devices like flares or emergency markers can alert others. Jumper cables and rope are useful for emergencies. A flashlight and portable radio provide light and information. Blankets and extra warm clothes keep you warm. Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter is handy if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow. Don't forget a cell phone with a charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.

What to do if you get stuck in the snow

Clear a path of several feet in front of your wheels by driving forward and backwards or using a shovel. Shift to drive (or second gear for manual transmissions) with your wheels pointed straight to minimize rolling resistance. Apply gentle pressure to the accelerator without spinning the wheels. If more traction is needed, use traction mats, kitty litter, or another abrasive material and keep people away from the wheels.

If you're still stuck, try rocking your vehicle out of the rut by applying the accelerator slowly in low gear, releasing it when you stop moving forward, and reapplying when you stop rolling backward. Repeat this in rapid succession using minimum power to avoid spinning your wheels and digging deeper into the snow.

If you go off the road, stay calm and stay in your car with your seatbelt on. Call 911 if it's an emergency. If stranded, only get out of the car to clear the tailpipe of deep snow to ensure proper ventilation. Once back inside, fasten your seatbelt again and keep a window cracked open until help arrives.