Winter Driving: Safety Tips and Dealing with Emergencies

Winter weather presents unique driving challenges. (wikimedia.org)

Even as the holiday travel season winds down to a close, there are still a few months of wintery weather left to come before spring is sprung and warmer weather returns. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of safety tips for driving in inclement weather as well as how you should respond if you find yourself stranded due to mechanical failures or other issues.

While our best advice is to always make sure your car is prepared for travel, there’s much more to consider than just that. Let’s take a look at winter driving and dealing with emergency situations.

Know Your Car and How it Performs

It goes without saying that every vehicle handles differently, no matter the weather. But it’s especially true when you’re driving on icy or wet snowy roads. Take the time to learn how your automobile handles winter driving conditions and ensure that you:

Practice

A quick session of driving practice, preferably conducted in an empty parking lot during the day when visibility is high, can clue you into how your car reacts in snowy conditions.

Slow Down

Inclement weather means your automobile won’t be as easy to control or stop, especially if the road surface is slick or covered in snow. Lowering your speeds gives you more time to ensure you can stop when needed.

Increase Following Distances

Tailgating is never a good decision, especially if the roads are icy. By increasing your following distance from cars that are ahead of you, you’ll have the distance required to brake in time.

Know Your Brakes

Different braking systems require different techniques. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), you’ll want to apply firm and continuous pressure to the pedal. If your car doesn’t have ABS, you’ll need to pump them gently.

Escaping from Skids

Skids can be a frightening experience. But if you find yourself skidding, stay calm and ease your foot off the gas. Carefully steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go, and stay off the brake and gas until the vehicle is back under control. Steering into the skid, as it’s known, will bring the back end of the car in line with the front.

Plan Routes Ahead of Time

Anytime inclement weather arrives, your best bet is to stay inside and off the road. But if you can’t, you should:

• Check weather, road conditions, and trafic
• Leave earlier if you need to.
• Don’t rush it. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.
• Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go.
• Let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
• Keep your gas tank close to full. If you become stuck in traffic or a snow storm, you may need the fuel to stay warm and make it safely to your destination.

Stock Your Vehicle with Supplies

Some supplies are required to handle wintry weather, and some aren’t quite so obvious. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got the following on hand:

• Snow shovel, broom, and/or ice scraper.
• Materials such as sand or kitty litter can provide extra traction if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
• Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares 0r markers.
• Blankets for protection from the cold.
• Cell phone with charger.
• Water, high-energy/caloric foods.
• Any necessary prescription medicines you take.

If an Emergency Occurs

Suffering a mechanical breakdown or being stopped or stalled in wintery weather can be a scary experience. If you find yourself in such as situation, follow these safety rules:

• Don’t abandon your car. Stay in it and don’t over-exert yourself in an attempt to get your car unstuck.
• Make sure you’re visible by using the flares and/or markers you’ve stocked in the car. You can also keep the interior light on.
• Remember the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is an invisible killer. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up, and make sure the exhaust is clear. Run the car sporadically, but only long enough to stay warm.
• Make sure your passengers remain in the car.
• Don’t leave children or elderly unattended.

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