Winter Driving Safety
Sometimes, it’s impossible to avoid driving in wintry weather conditions. When snow and ice hits, make sure you and your car are prepared by following these winter driving safety tips.
Safe Winter Driving Tips
Prepare Your Car Before a Snowstorm
- Check under the hood and take a look at your car’s cooling system. Make sure you have plenty of antifreeze and the hoses are in good condition.
- Test heaters and defrosters ahead of time to make sure they’re in good working condition.
- Test your windshield wipers and check the condition of your wiper blades. If wipers leave streaks on your windshields, replace the blades.
- Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid and use a washer/antifreeze solution.
- Check all your lights & periodically clear them of snow and dirt.
- Car batteries need extra power in cold conditions. Make sure the battery’s terminals are clean and cables are secure.
- Fill up. Keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter to help avoid gas line freeze up.
Driving During & After a Snowstorm
- Wear sunglasses. You might want to keep a pair in the car just in case the sun is reflecting off the snow.
- Be aware of blind spots created by snow banks.
- Be extra cautious of pedestrians and other vehicles in intersections.
- Allow extra time for braking and increase the distance between you and the car ahead of you.
- Reduce your speed and don’t exceed the posted limit.
- If you start to lose traction, don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas gradually reduce your speed. Accelerate again slowly once you feel traction is regained.
- If you start to skid, steer in the direction of the skid. Remember, steering can be more important than braking on slippery roads.
