Traveling in severe weather can be frightening and dangerous. Drivers should be aware of the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. You should always be cautious while driving in adverse weather.
We recommend the following tips:
- Don’t drive while fatigued. You should always be well rested when driving, especially in dangerous conditions.
- Don’t warm up your car in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Properly inflate tires. Air pressure decreases in cold weather.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid the gas line freezing.
- Try to avoid using your parking brake in cold and wet weather.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces such as icy roads.
- Be mindful as you steer in a certain direction.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
Long-Distance Winter Trips
- Pay attention to weather reports before setting out on a long distance trip. If you have to go somewhere, be sure to tell others your route, destination, and estimated arrival time.
- Have your car inspected before the winter months approach. Always make sure your vehicle is in peak condition.
- Keep emergency supplies in your car such as blankets, gloves, food, water, and anything else that will come in handy.
- If you become snow-bound, stay in your vehicle. Don’t try to walk in the storm as you can easily lose sight of your car and become lost.
- Don’t overwork yourself by trying to push your car out of the snow if you get stuck.
- If you’re stuck, tie a brightly colored cloth on your antennae to signal for help.
- Use whatever you can to insulate your body from the cold.
- If you can, run the engine and heater long enough to remove the bitter chill.
Driving in the Snow
- The best way to avoid skidding and keeping traction is to accelerate and decelerate slowly. Remember that it takes a long time to slow down on icy roads.
- Drive slowly.
- In normal conditions, the following distance is three to four seconds. In adverse weather it should be increased to eight to ten seconds.
- Try not to come to a complete stop. If you see a red light, try to roll slowly toward it until the light changes.
- Don’t try to power up hills as it can cause your wheels to spin.
Of course, one of the best tips we can give is to just stay home if it’s possible!