Driving in snow presents unique challenges that demand extra caution and preparation. As winter weather conditions can rapidly change and significantly impact road safety, understanding how to navigate snowy roads is crucial for every driver. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a longer journey, being equipped with the right knowledge and techniques can ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. This guide provides essential tips on How To Drive In Snow, ensuring you’re prepared for winter’s worst driving conditions.
Preparing for Snow Driving
Before you even start your engine, preparation is key to safe driving in snow. A proactive approach can minimize risks and ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the harsh winter environment.
Vehicle Readiness
Ensuring your vehicle is in top condition is the first step in preparing for winter driving. It’s advisable to have your car inspected by certified professionals at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before the winter season begins. This inspection should include checking your tires’ tread and pressure, battery health, brake system, fluid levels, and ensuring your lights are functioning correctly. Proper maintenance drastically reduces the chances of vehicle malfunction in challenging conditions.
Weather Awareness
Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Understanding the expected conditions at your starting point, along your route, and at your destination is vital. If severe weather is predicted, consider postponing your trip until conditions improve. Weather apps and websites provide real-time updates and can help you make informed decisions about travel.
Communication Plan
Inform friends or family about your travel plans, including your route, destination, and estimated arrival time. This ensures that someone knows your whereabouts and can check on you if delays occur. Keeping a charged cell phone and car charger is essential for communication and emergencies.
Driving Techniques for Snowy Conditions
When driving in snow, adapting your driving style is paramount. The key is to drive slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden maneuvers that can lead to loss of control.
Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance
The most important adjustment when driving in snow is to significantly reduce your speed. Snow and ice dramatically reduce traction, making it harder to control your vehicle. Drive slower than usual and increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead to at least double or triple the normal gap. This provides more time to react and brake safely.
Gentle and Smooth Controls
Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering. All actions should be deliberate and gentle. Accelerate slowly and brake gradually to maintain control. Abrupt movements are more likely to cause your tires to lose traction, leading to skids.
Braking in Snow
Understanding how your brakes work in snow is crucial. If you have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), apply firm and constant pressure to the brake pedal. Do not pump the brakes if you have ABS. If you don’t have ABS, gently pump the brakes to avoid locking up the wheels and skidding. If you start to skid, release the brake pedal and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Steering and Maintaining Control
Steer smoothly and deliberately. Avoid sharp turns. If your vehicle begins to skid, ease off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go. Do not overcorrect, as this can worsen the skid.
If You Become Stranded in Snow
Despite careful preparation, getting stranded in winter weather is a possibility. Knowing how to respond can be life-saving.
Stay with Your Vehicle
Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and is easier for rescuers to spot than a person walking in the snow. Stay inside unless you can see a safe place to walk to nearby.
Signal for Help
Attach a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep your dome light on if possible to increase visibility for rescuers.
Ensure Clear Exhaust Pipe
Regularly check that your exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow or ice. A blocked exhaust can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the vehicle, which is deadly.
Stay Warm
Use anything available to insulate yourself from the cold. If you have an emergency kit, use blankets and extra clothing. If not, use floor mats or seat covers to stay warm. Run the engine and heater sparingly to conserve fuel, just long enough to take the chill off the air.
Essential Winter Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit is crucial, especially during winter. It should include:
- Cell phone car charger: To keep your phone powered for communication.
- Flashlight with extra batteries: For visibility and signaling.
- Reflective triangles or flares: To alert other drivers to your vehicle.
- First-aid kit: For treating minor injuries.
- Drinking water and non-perishable food: For sustenance if you’re stranded for an extended period.
- Traction aids (sand, salt, cat litter, or traction mats): To help tires regain traction.
- Ice scraper and snow brush: To clear snow and ice from your vehicle.
- Gloves, warm hats, extra coats, and blankets: To stay warm in freezing temperatures.
AAA and other roadside assistance services prioritize safety during winter storms, focusing on those in the most dangerous situations. By being prepared and driving cautiously, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure safer winter travels.
