This is what you need to watch out for when driving on snow and ice.
When you are learning to drive, it is important to understand several essential winter driving tips so that you can remain safe on the city streets or country roads in your region. Here are some of the best tips that are recommended by experts.
Tip 1: Listen to the Weather Information on the Radio or the Television
The first tip is to determine if you should drive anywhere during the winter when there is a blizzard or an ice storm. Listen to the news on the television or radio to determine if there is a weather emergency that forbids driving or if the experts recommend staying home. In many cases, your employer may have closed for the day, or alternatively, your school has decided not to have any classes.
Tip 2: Clean Your Vehicle’s Windows and Mirrors
You may think that only clearing away a small circle of snow or ice on the windshield is enough when you need to drive, but this isn’t safe. It is essential to use snow-removal brushes and ice scrapers to clean all of the windows on a vehicle. You should also remove the snow from the exterior mirrors and lights to make your vehicle safer to drive. Warm up the vehicle with the garage door open so that you aren’t exposed to dangerous carbon monoxide.
Tip 3: Drive with a Full Tank of Gasoline
During the winter, make sure to drive with a full tank of gasoline so that you can warm up your vehicle. With a full tank, you are less likely to have problems with the battery and starting system on your vehicle. If you must use a detour while driving, then you are prepared with extra gasoline in the tank.
Tip 4: Have Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle
Make sure to have emergency supplies in your vehicle, including:
• A blanket
• Bottles of water
• Nonperishable food
• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Deicer spray
• Phone
When you are traveling somewhere, tell someone that you are leaving your home so that if you don’t arrive in the correct amount of time, then your friend can contact local law officials for assistance.
Tip 5: Dress Appropriately
Don’t try to drive somewhere without wearing a heavy coat, hat, scarf, and gloves in addition to winter items such as sweaters, jeans, socks and boots. If you do have a problem while driving, then you may need to walk somewhere or you might need to wait for several hours for help to arrive. If you are traveling with children or pets in your vehicle, then make sure that the back area of the automobile is warm.
Tip 6: Drive Slowly
You should drive at a slow speed, making sure to accelerate and stop slowly to avoid sliding on the snow or ice. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination rather than waiting until the last minute to leave your home. While driving, avoid getting too close to other vehicles and make sure that you aren’t distracted by an aggressive driver who follows you too close or who passes you illegally.
Tip 7: Keep Your Eyes on the Road and Nearby Areas
While driving, keep your eyes on the road by watching for problems that include other drivers who aren’t using the proper caution. By driving slowing and paying attention, you will have plenty of time to stop at red lights or stop signs. You should also watch carefully for pedestrians, especially children who are often playing in the snow near the slippery streets.
Tip 8: Avoid Hilly or Mountainous Areas
Going up and down hills or steep inclines is especially dangerous during the winter when there are ice and snow on the streets. Try to avoid these areas, but if you must drive, then keep your foot on the brake while going down a hill and avoid stopping while you are driving up a hill.
Tip 9: Maintain Your Vehicle for Winter Driving Conditions
Early in the autumn, take your vehicle to a mechanic to have the oil changed and the antifreeze checked. Check the vehicle’s other fluids, belts, and windshield wiper blades. Determine if the tires are in good condition, and also, keep the tires inflated properly to make it safer to drive during the wintertime.
Tip 10: Use Your Headlights
Make sure to turn on your headlights when there is poor visibility while you are driving during a snowstorm. When you arrive at your destination, make sure to turn the headlights off so that your vehicle won’t have a dead battery.
Carry Your Driver’s License
While driving during the winter, make sure to have your driver’s license with you, and keep a list of these winter driving tips in the glove compartment as a reminder of the rules that you should follow.