Winter is upon us, and as we all know, it’s one of the most difficult times of the year to be driving. Everyone hates scraping ice and wiping snow from their cars, and driving in the snow can be even more stressful. Being more careful and applying some safety measures can help decrease and prevent car accidents.
Driving during the winter can be difficult for someone who has never driven on snowy, icy, and slippery roads. Here are some tips to help you better understand the roads during winter.
Create a ‘survival kit’
A survival kit should contain gloves, booster cables, small shovel, windshield wiper fluid, a first aid kit, torch, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and non-perishable energy foods. Always have your kit in the trunk of your car.
Check weather and road conditions often
Select the route you intend to take before setting out, and also view the weather forecast to ensure you have an idea of what lays ahead when you go out.
Snow tires are one of the best tools available to people who live in communities with strong winter weather. Those who drive on both snow and ice are expected to install these tires regularly each and every winter season. They cause friction, while the strength of the steel and the total mass of the car assists in breaking through the ice.
When driving during the winter season, you should go slower than you would on a sunny or bright day. Though it may seem like something everyone should know, a person who has not driven in snow may not know the effect it has on his or her car. You should go slower when making turns because turning at the same speed you would on a nice summer day can cause the vehicle to go off course. When driving through snow and ice it can be very difficult to control your vehicle.
Clear snow and ice from your vehicle
Try to clean all windows, mirrors, lights, and also the roof of your car. Allow all foggy windows to clear up so you can see clearly.
Distance and Time
When driving during winter you must take into consideration the distance between you and other cars. You need to create enough time to allow you stop while driving. You need to put a reasonable amount of distance between you and other motorists in order to avoid collisions as these other drivers may slide as well.
The last simple tip you should remember is that you should create more time for you to go from point A to point B. A lot of people forget all of these important tips when driving during winter because they are in a hurry to get to various places. It is best you leave home early so you can pay adequate attention to the road while not in a hurry.
Brush up your winter driving techniques with the instructors at Central Driving School.