Driving in winter weather can sometimes be a scary proposition. Be prepared by following these tips for driving in snow.
Every year, 24% of crashes caused by weather happen on snowy or icy roads.
Snow and ice can cause your vehicle to lose control and slip or slide. You can prevent this dangerous scenario by knowing how to safely drive in winter.
Prevent accidents by winterizing your car and preparing for snowy and icy roads. Drive slow and exercise caution on slippery roads with these winter driving tips.
Whether you’re learning how to drive in snow for the first time or you’re looking for a refresher, these tips for driving in snow will keep you safe.
Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather
Take your car to a mechanic or perform a maintenance check yourself before the winter weather becomes hazardous.
- Winterize and switch your windshield washer fluid and coolant
- Consider purchasing winter tires instead of all-season tires if you live in an area with a lot of snow
- Inspect your battery
If you want to winterize your car yourself, the DMV has tips for vehicle maintenance to help.
Quick Tips for Driving in Snow
Having an auto insurance policy protects you if your vehicle is in an accident. Still, it’s important to be careful on snowy roads.
- Never turn your car on in an enclosed building
- Slow down and give yourself more time to make turns and stops
- Leave earlier to give yourself extra time
- Maintain a longer distance between you and the car in front of you
- Keep your tires inflated
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in case you become stranded and need to run your heat
- Avoid cruise control on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow
- After stopping, accelerate and decelerate slowly
Driving on snowy roads can be intimidating but you can avoid losing control with these tips.
Black Ice and How It Impacts Winter Driving
Black ice is a term for a thin layer of ice that forms on paved surfaces. Because it’s hard to see, black ice cause your car to lose control or skid out. Practice these winter driving tips if you encounter icy conditions.
- Never slam on the brakes as this can cause your vehicle to skid out of control
- Drive slow and give your car time to stop especially when approaching traffic lights
- Remain calm if you do hit black ice. Take your foot off the gas and keep your car going in the same direction
- If the rear of your car slides left or right gently move the steering wheel in the that direction
- Turning your wheel against a slide can cause you to lose control
Learning how to drive on black ice is important, especially for new drivers.
Keep These Safety Tips in Mind
Give yourself extra time, go slow on the roads, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the car in front.
If you hit black ice, remember to take your foot off the gas and try to keep your car going in one direction. If your back end starts to slide, turn your wheel in that direction instead of against it.
Stay safe out there this winter by practicing these tips for driving in snow and connect with us if you want to know how insurance coverage can protect you this winter.