5 Tips for Winter Driving: Adults

Driving in the snow and ice can be daunting for adult drivers of any age. It is soon that time of year when the snow will fall and black ice will start making its’ presence known. You can use these tips to make Winter Driving safe for you and your loved ones!

1. State of Mind

It is most important when driving in the snow to make sure you are calm and confident. You should also be sure to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol of any kind. Even the smallest hindrance can make a big impact on winter driving. If you are easily made nervous by winter driving be sure to avoid it when possible! Staying calm will help you focus on safety. Stay sharp and make sure to abide by all warnings issued for roadways during these hazardous travel months.

2. Car Checks

These are key during winter months. You want to inspect the tires, lights, and batteries, on a regular basis. Lights will help keep you visible to other drivers and provide much needed boost for sight during heavy snowfall and rain. Tires are important for keeping you safe and within your own lane during the winter months. Worn down tires with little tread can cause unnecessary accidents. It is cheaper to replace tires on your vehicle than it is to replace your entire vehicle after a wreck! Cold weather is hard on batteries so make sure your battery is charging well. If you notice problems have them addressed right away to avoid being stranded in bad weather!

3. Necessities

Sacrifice a little bit of trunk space during the winter and add these items to your vehicle: a blanket, an extra coat, a small shovel, kitty litter or ashes, and some warm gloves. You may find yourself in a bad situation and these items will help keep you safe and warm until you get help. The kitty litter and ashes will help give you traction on ice and compacted snow and a small shovel will aide in digging out snow drifts should you slide off the road. Always make sure you have plenty of fuel in case you end up stranded or pulled off the road. In an emergency it will be best to be able to keep the car running for heat and power!

4. Remember the Basics

You are never too old to remember the basics. You may be seasoned driver but these tips will still apply. Watch your speed, steering, and keep a safe distance away from vehicles around you. If someone is following too close pull to the side and let them pass. Don’t rush or follow others too closely during bad road conditions. You will need extra time to stop even if you are monitoring your speed so leave an extra gap! Oversteering can lead to skids so make sure you are paying close attention so you can avoid needing to quickly make adjustments. Make all movements in a slow and calm fashion, this included pulling out, turning, and stopping. The smoother the motion the less likely you will be to lose control of your vehicle during bad weather conditions.

5. Watch Out For Others

Not all drivers will be as call and experienced as you are. They might be nervous, distracted, or poor drivers. Keep as much extra distance as you can and leave yourself an escape route. If you keep extra distance this should also allow you a safe way around or away from any driver who may lose control of their vehicle. Reckless drivers will be near you at some point or another make sure you are as prepared for them as you are for other winter driving emergencies. If you notice someone driving erratically it is always a good idea to pull over and notify the police. You may not wish to “cause trouble” but in the end you might save someone else’s life; just because they didn’t hurt you doesn’t mean every person they encounter will be so lucky!