Driving in snow presents unique challenges that demand extra caution and preparedness. To ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road, especially during harsh winter conditions, it’s crucial to adopt specific driving techniques and prepare your vehicle accordingly. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to winter driving, understanding and implementing these Tips For Driving In The Snow can significantly reduce risks and help you navigate snowy roads with confidence.
Pre-Drive Preparation: Ensuring Your Vehicle and Plan are Ready
Before you even start your engine, preparation is key. Taking the time to prepare can make all the difference in your safety and journey when driving in snowy conditions.
Vehicle Inspection: Is Your Car Winter-Ready?
A thorough vehicle inspection is paramount before winter driving. Ensure your car is in optimal condition to handle the stresses of snow and ice. Visit a certified mechanic or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to check the following:
- Battery: Cold weather significantly reduces battery performance. Ensure your battery is strong and terminals are clean.
- Tires: Tires are your connection to the road. Check tire pressure and tread depth. Consider winter tires for enhanced grip in snow and ice.
- Fluid Levels: Check and top off all essential fluids, including engine oil, coolant (antifreeze), brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid (use winter washer fluid with antifreeze).
- Brakes: Brakes are critical in slippery conditions. Ensure they are functioning correctly and have them inspected for wear.
- Lights: Visibility is reduced in snow. Check all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly.
- Wipers: Replace worn wiper blades and ensure they are functioning effectively to clear snow and ice from your windshield.
Weather Check: Know Before You Go
Always check the weather forecast before you travel and along your planned route. Understanding the expected weather conditions – snow intensity, temperature, and potential for ice – will help you make informed decisions about your trip. If severe weather is predicted, consider delaying your journey until conditions improve. Local authorities often provide guidance during winter weather events, and it’s wise to heed their advice, which may include staying off the roads.
Stay Connected: Inform Someone of Your Travel Plans
Before setting off, inform friends or family about your route, destination, and estimated arrival time. This is a crucial safety measure, especially in winter. If you encounter delays or problems, someone will know your expected location and can initiate help if needed.
Safe Driving Practices: Slow Down and Be Aware
When driving in snow, adjust your driving habits to the conditions.
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly. Snow and ice drastically reduce traction, increasing stopping distances and making it harder to control your vehicle.
- Increase Following Distance: Leave much more space than usual between you and the vehicle ahead. This extra space gives you more time to react and brake safely.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering. Gentle and gradual maneuvers are key to maintaining control on slippery surfaces.
- Use Headlights: Turn on your headlights to increase visibility, even during daylight hours. This makes your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
- Be Extra Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses: These areas tend to freeze faster than road surfaces. Approach them with extra caution as they are often icier.
- “Move Over, Slow Down”: If you see emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or stranded motorists on the side of the road, move over a lane if safe to do so and slow down. Winter conditions make roads more dangerous for everyone, especially those working or stranded at the roadside.
If You Get Stranded: Staying Safe While Waiting for Help
Despite the best preparations, getting stranded in winter weather is a possibility. Knowing how to respond can significantly improve your safety and chances of a quick rescue.
Stay with Your Vehicle: Your Car is Shelter
Your vehicle provides temporary shelter from the elements and is easier for rescuers to spot than a person walking in the snow. Stay inside your car unless there is immediate danger, such as a fire.
Avoid Walking in a Storm: Risk of Getting Lost
Do not attempt to walk for help in a severe snowstorm. Visibility can be extremely limited, and it’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle and become lost in blowing snow. Furthermore, passing vehicles may not see you, increasing the risk of accidents.
Don’t Overexert Yourself: Conserve Energy
Avoid strenuous activities like trying to push your car out of the snow. Overexertion can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of hypothermia in cold temperatures.
Signal for Help: Make Yourself Visible
Make your vehicle as visible as possible to potential rescuers:
- Brightly Colored Cloth: Tie a brightly colored cloth (red or orange is ideal) to your antenna or door handle to signal distress.
- Dome Light at Night: If it’s nighttime, keep your dome light on, if possible. It uses minimal electricity and will make your car easier to spot.
Check the Exhaust Pipe: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Ensure your exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, ice, or mud. A blocked exhaust can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into your vehicle when the engine is running. Periodically check and clear the exhaust pipe.
Stay Warm: Insulate Yourself from the Cold
Use anything available to insulate your body from the cold. If you have a winter emergency kit, use blankets and extra clothing. If not, use floor mats, seat covers, or any other materials to create insulation and stay warm.
Use Engine and Heater Wisely: Conserve Fuel and Stay Warm
Run the engine and heater sparingly to conserve fuel while still maintaining warmth. Run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to provide heat and recharge your phone, but ensure the exhaust pipe remains clear.
Essential Winter Emergency Kit: Be Prepared for the Unexpected
A well-stocked emergency kit is crucial for winter driving. Keep these essential items in your vehicle, especially during winter months:
- Cell Phone Car Charger: Essential for maintaining communication.
- Flashlight with Extra Batteries: For signaling and visibility at night.
- Reflective Triangles or Warning Flares: To alert other drivers to your stranded vehicle.
- First-Aid Kit: For treating minor injuries.
- Drinking Water and Non-Perishable Food: For sustenance if you are stranded for an extended period.
- Traction Aids: Sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, or traction mats to help gain traction if your wheels are spinning.
- Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: To keep your windshield and windows clear for visibility.
- Shovel: To dig your car out if it’s stuck in snow.
- Gloves, Extra Coats, Hats, and Blankets: To stay warm in freezing temperatures.
AAA Tow Truck in Winter Conditions
AAA Roadside Assistance: Here to Help When You Need It
During severe winter storms, AAA experiences a significant increase in calls for roadside assistance. Response times may be delayed due to high call volumes and hazardous conditions, especially in areas with the most severe weather. AAA prioritizes the safety of its members and focuses on reaching those in the most dangerous situations first. Roadside technicians and tow providers work diligently to assist stranded motorists as safely and efficiently as possible under challenging winter conditions.
By following these tips for driving in the snow and being well-prepared, you can significantly enhance your safety and confidence when navigating winter roads. Remember, caution and preparation are your best allies when driving in snowy weather.
