Driving can be challenging, but doing it in the snow and ice adds a level of difficulty you might not be ready to handle.
One false move in these dangerous conditions, and you and your vehicle could end up in a ditch. When this happens, you likely won’t go anywhere until someone comes to save the day.
Today, we’re getting behind the wheel to share tips to help you navigate snow, ice, and other winter weather.
Let’s get to it!
Why is Driving on Snow and Ice So Dangerous?
Anytime the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s an increased risk of dangerous roads. Moisture on the surface will often freeze, and snow may begin to accumulate.
These weather elements can cause a loss of traction between your tires and the road. In addition, you’ll likely experience longer braking distances than you have in dry conditions. If you must stop quickly, both situations might happen simultaneously, and you’ll lose control of your car.
Additionally, other hazards aren’t so obvious. Black ice is a thin layer of frozen water that can be nearly impossible to see until it’s too late. Hitting these patches could quickly send you and your passengers into a ditch or other automobiles.
7 Driving Tips for Conquering Snow and Ice
Before driving on snow and ice, arm yourself with knowledge about how to do it safely. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll hopefully arrive at your destination unscathed.
#1 Stay Home
If you don’t have experience driving in winter conditions, it’s best to reevaluate your travels. It’s often best to stay home whenever possible during severe weather. Avoid heading out unless it’s necessary or an emergency.
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of keeping an eye on the weather forecast during winter. This way, you can stock up on groceries or run errands ahead of a storm. Limiting the potential for situations where you’ll need to hit the road can save you from serious troubles.
Many times, it may only require waiting a few hours. Highway departments spread salt on surfaces and clear roadways when it’s safe. Unfortunately, they can’t be everywhere, so give them time to do their job.
#2 Slow Down
Our next tip to drive safely on snow and ice is to slow down. Despite what many people think, four-wheel drive isn’t an excuse to speed in these circumstances. While it may improve traction in deep snow and sand, it doesn’t help on slick surfaces. You’ll spin out just as easily as any other vehicle.
By reducing your speed, you can better maintain control. Slowing down will also give you time to respond during unexpected situations. The faster you travel, the less time you’ll have to react, and the more dramatic the loss of control will likely be.
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#3 Keep Your Distance
In addition to slowing down, keeping your distance from other vehicles is a good idea. Instead of following three seconds behind the person ahead of you, extend it to eight or ten. The larger gap will give you time to react to the conditions and actions of other drivers. You stand a better chance of avoiding accidents that can cause dangerous chain reactions.
Additionally, by backing off, you’ll likely benefit from increased visibility. The slush and gunk kicked up by tires will have time to hit the ground, not your windshield. Being able to see is crucial in maintaining safety in these situations.
#4 Accelerate Gently
When the road is slick, accelerating too hard will cause your tires to lose traction and spin. You’ll likely move inch by inch out of the intersection. It’ll continue until you let off the gas pedal and regain grip.
Instead of applying a ton of force, be gentle. A gradual acceleration will allow you to cross intersections without spinning your wheels. Just make sure you let off once you reach a safe speed, considering the elements around you.
#5 Brake Carefully
Just like accelerating too quickly, braking too hard can be equally as dangerous while driving on snow or ice. The force of trying to slow your car can cause your tires to lose grip. When this happens, you’re at the mercy of physics. Where you’ll stop is anybody’s guess, but you better hope another vehicle or object isn’t in the way.
Opt to ease into braking instead of forcing it. You’ll avoid skidding on the slippery surface and losing control. Start reducing your speed much sooner than you would under normal circumstances. If not, you could slide into someone in front of you or through an intersection.
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#6 Clean Windows and Mirrors
Before putting your automobile in gear, clean your windows and mirrors. These safety features maximize your visibility of what’s going on around you.
In some situations, you may have frost or ice that’s accumulated. If you park your car outside and experience freezing temperatures, invest in an ice scraper or snow brush. Store it in the trunk of your car because there’s a good chance you’ll eventually need it.
While getting your brush, turn on your vehicle’s defrost settings. Unless you have a ton of build-up, it should only take a minute or two to clear the windows.
#7 Know How to Handle a Skid
A skid while driving on snow or ice can be a terrifying experience. However, knowing how to handle the situation will make a huge difference. While you can’t always avoid an accident, you may be able to respond quickly enough to minimize damages.
When your car starts to skid, the first thing to do is to let off the pedals. Do not hit the gas or brake.
Next, you’ll want to counter-steer, turning the wheel in the opposite direction you’re gliding.
In an ideal world, you’ll quickly regain traction and control of the situation. However, the faster you travel, the longer and harder it’ll be. Combining a couple of tips at once, like reducing your speed and maintaining a safe distance from those around you, will make a big difference.
Add some warm gloves and kitty litter to this basic winter driving kit.
Drive on Snow and Ice Safely
Winter storms can turn an area into a magical wonderland. But they will also make driving very difficult. Know your limits and avoid traveling in unsafe situations when it’s not necessary. Don’t make the mistake of being overconfident in your skills or the weather. Things can change in the blink of an eye.
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