Tips For Safe Driving in Snow & Ice
Since a large part of the country will be blessed with snow and ice this weekend, this is a great time to discuss driving safety in snow and ice. You definitely don't want to be the guy stuck on the side of the road. Unfortunately, the average driver will not get extensive training on driving in unpleasant conditions. Therefore, we must take as many precautions possible to increase our chances of a safe commute!
Here are a few tips on driver safety in dangerous conditions:
- Stay home if possible and avoid traveling in the snow!
- Do not travel too closely to the vehicle in front of you. If the car in front skids or spins out, if you're too close you will not have enough time to react. In reverse, if you begin to skid or spin out, you'll have enough space between you and the driver ahead to hopefully regain traction and not cause a collision.
- Avoid slamming on your brakes and accelerating quickly. If you begin to slid, do not slam on the brakes. Let your car slow on its own and focus on steering your vehicle to safety. Also avoid stepping on the gas too quickly, this can cause your tires to spin out.
- Driving up a hill... So many people get stuck on a hill because they don't know the proper way to get up a hill. First, get a little speed prior to getting to the hill. Once you're on the hill DO NOT STOP! If you stop on an icy hill, when you accelerate, your wheels will just spin and you may start sliding back down the hill causing a collision. If there is traffic on the hill, wait until it clears before attempted to move forward.
- If you get stuck and you cannot gain enough traction to get you moving, try using your floor mats by putting them under your tires to help with traction.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped to handle the snow.
- All weather or snow tires with 6/32-inch (4.8-millimeter) deep tread
- It's better to drive a vehicle that has 4 wheel or all wheel drive (AWD) vehicle over a rear wheel drive car.
- Check antifreeze levels and battery power
- Check your front and rear defroster to make sure they are working.
- Keep an ice scraper in your car
There's also a chance you can get stuck out in the snow due to no fault of your own. You can be stuck for hours in your car. Be sure to keep at least a half tank of gas in your car and keep snacks, water, and a blanket handy just in case you get stranded for a period of time. Hopefully these tips will help you avoid dangerous situations this winter season!
Tabitha Rector-Richardson
Broker, REALTOR®
email: info@premierhomesmd.com
web: www.PremierHomesMD.com
(410) 363-1535 x101 cell
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