Winter Travel: Safe Driving Tips

Severe Weather Conditions

Whether you are a professional or a new driver, severe weather conditions can be not only frightening but also dangerous. Generally, if you feel unsafe and uneasy to drive in harsh weather conditions, it is better to not drive at all, but if you need really need to drive, remember to take precautions, especially if driving in the winter.

Ice and snow can not only slow down traffic, but it can also cause a lot of traffic stops and unforeseen problems which can easily lead to an accident. Furthermore, it is extremely vital that you have winter gear prepared in time as it can be very dangerous driving without proper winter tires.

Icy Roads

Remember that you will need more time when traveling in winter, icy roads will not only slow you down significantly, but they will punish you for even the slightest of mistakes and you might end up paying with your own life, as well as endangering others. Take care and try not to be faster than ice.

Besides driving slowly, it is important to keep safe and large following distances as you can never know how slippery the ice is and when you will have to stop suddenly. Moreover, your headlights should be on, day or night, as it will help other drivers spot you more easily. Avoid sudden lane and direction changes as you might run the risk of slipping out of control and right into another driver.

Car Maintenance

Not only do you need to be in peak condition, but your car as well, if your car malfunctions, especially when on the road, it can end very quickly and very sadly. It is important that you keep your car in optimum condition, and remember to always have at least half a tank of fuel in your car; you never know when you will come to a sudden stop.

You should always have an emergency winter kit in your car as it might come in handy not only when you are in danger, but you could also help people you run across who might need help. And of course remember to use snow chains on your tires as they will help your car stay on the road and that you do not slip into a ditch.

Snowing

In snow, accelerating and decelerating should be done slowly, you will not be able to rush anywhere fast. Remember what you’ve learned while taking a safer driver course, if you accelerate too fast, you will lose traction and your car might spin out of control. Account for the slowing down of the general traffic as well, nothing will happen as fast as it would in dry conditions, remember to adapt to that fact quickly.

Getting Stuck or Stranded

If you do get stuck in a snow-storm, it is important to stay put, isolate the inside your body as much as possible to lose as little heat. Mark your car so that someone can notice you, and of course if possible, call for help with exact directions to let them know where you are precisely.

It is extremely important to be prepared, and if you go on a long journey, research which is the safest road to take without having to leave populated areas for too long, so that even if it comes to being lost, you will be found fast.