Tips for Safe Driving in Snow
Safety Comes First When Traveling in Winter Weather
Driving a car during a snow storm or in icy conditions is not the same as driving on dry pavement. The reduced visibility and slippery conditions of a snow storm create potentially hazardous roads that demand adjustments in how you drive.
Get Ready
Completely clear your vehicle of ice and snow. Don't try to drive looking through a peephole in the front windshield or with half the back window covered with snow. In fact, in some states, like New Jersey, it is illegal to drive with any accumulated snow on your vehicle within hours of a storm ending. Before you leave your driveway or parking spot, clear snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, both bumpers and the head and tail lights.
Turn your headlights on, even in the daylight, so other drivers can see you more easily. If driving long distances, stop every hour or so (Pull well off the road.) to remove accumulated snow from the vehicle. Keep in mind that the snow blowing off your car can momentarily blind other drivers in your vicinity, making already dangerous conditions worse. And chunks of ice sliding off your roof are a potential hazard to all around you.
Eliminate Distractions
Turn off the radio. And put down the cellphone, even if it is hands-free. According to the National Safety Council, driving a car is largely a mental activity and demands your full attention, especially under adverse conditions. If you must make a call, pull into a parking lot, or off to the side, again, a safe distance from the road.
Turn off the cruise control and keep the vehicle under your control.
Slow It Down
The posted speed limit is to be observed under the best weather conditions. It's not safe to attempt to drive the speed limit on snow-covered roads, even if you have four-wheel drive, which does nothing to help you stop in the snow. Lower your speed accordingly when roads are snow or ice covered to give yourself more time to react in an emergency, whether yours, or the person in front of you.
Don't assume other drivers are being as careful as you are. Don't give anyone else the benefit of the doubt. For example, slow down when you reach an intersection or a stop sign, even if you do have the right of way, just in case that car coming down the hill can not stop.
Leave More Space
Leave extra space between cars. Don't tailgate. if you follow too closely, you have less time to react. And it's abrupt stops and sudden maneuvers that are most likely to cause skidding, fishtailing and loss of control.
Brake gently. Here again, extra space between vehicles allows time to react if your car, or the one in front of, or beside you, starts to slide.
Practice extra courtesy and patience. There's no doubt travel will take longer than on a dry, sunny day.
Finally, the safest advice: Drive only if necessary. If at all possible, stay home during a snow storm.
Snowy streets demand careful driving.
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