Just the thought of winter driving scares even seasoned drivers and causes them to break out in a sweat. Any movement you make with your steering wheel, accelerator pedal and brake must be done gently and gradually so as not to damage tires that have fragilely gripped on icy or snowy roads. Do this slowly, because you do not want to ruin tyres that have delicate gripping devices.
Ensure you increase stopping distance by double or triple in case one is driving on wet roads, and three times it when negotiating icy surfaces so that one can anticipate if the front vehicle suddenly stops or crashes. By slowing down at this point gives ample time for action whenever something such as sudden stops arises.
Take Your Time
One of the causes of accidents in winter includes driving too fast while driving too slow also has its own risks.
Remember that tire traction is reduced by snow, slush and ice; note this when accelerating, braking or turning for maximum control over your vehicle without spinning out. Do these actions slowly so as to allow your vehicle to respond without skidding off course.
Stay on Your Side
Though our streets become visual paradise during winter; we still need to keep focused while driving since no amount of beauty will save us from getting lost into other lanes.
When using your steering wheel, accelerator pedal and brakes; make sure they are applied smoothly according to directions provided by manufacturers more especially during jerky movements which could easily unstick tyres that have tenuous grip upon road surface.
Keep Your Lights On
While driving at nighttime during a car accident like when there is foggy weather, some winter accidents are caused mainly due to drivers’ failure of headlights usage properly. Use low beam headlights instead of high beam ones when visibility become extremely poor from fog, rain or snow because they could blind others and hide black ice hazards.
Also notice increased following distance plus extra room between your car and the one you are following.
Shift to Lower Gear
Driving becomes more difficult with snow, sleet and ice. On these snow-covered roads, we have all seen reckless drivers speed by us like they were on a racetrack wondering if they would end up in the ditch.
Ensure that your movements as regards the accelerator pedal, steering wheel and brakes are gentle enough. Large or jerking movements could cause front tires to lose grip, leading to understeer and potentially leading to an accident.
Don’t Trust Your Car Too Much
Even the best-maintained cars have their limitations when driving through snow, ice, or freezing rain; therefore it is often best to stay home during extreme winter conditions unless absolutely necessary.
Be ready with an ice scraper and other tools such as jumper cables, flashlight and non-perishable food items in case of emergency travel occurs unexpectedly. Traffic might be slow due to bad weather; consider leaving earlier than normal.
Avoid Sudden Braking
Winter also has its dangerous sides though there is much beauty seen from behind wheels of our cars at times. Snowy, icy and slushy conditions do contribute to many traffic accidents so additional precautions should be taken in order for this never happens again at any cost.
Slamming on the brakes is a very bad move; it could cause your vehicle to veer off course, placing other drivers in danger.
Stay in Your Lane
It is however advisable to reduce speed on snow or icy surfaces as this will give you more time if skidding occurs. When sliding starts, your body has time for reaction just in case something goes wrong with your plan.
Don’t panic if your car slides out of control. It’s all about slowing the steering down towards where you want to go in order to regain control when this happens.
Keep a Large Gap Between You and the Car in Front of You
When driving in snow always give yourself enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Jerking at tires with gas pedal, brake and steering can easily pop them loose from even slightly grippy slippery roads.
According to traffic experts, one must keep a distance of at least three seconds away from other cars whenever one is driving during winter season as this makes it possible for quick response whenever there is sudden breaking by any driver ahead.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Cruise control should never be used while driving on snowy, icy or slushy roads since it can make the tyres lose their grip making them slip leading to loss of control over acceleration which might eventually result into skidding.
The moment cruise control has been activated, quickly canceling it once another car swerves unexpectedly or wildlife enters your path suddenly or weather conditions deteriorate can mean safe driving and prevention of an accident from happening since using braking means may be dangerous under such situations during wintertime as this will worsen things further because of snow accumulation.
Stay in Your Car
Winter comes along with changes that are breathtaking regarding landscapes but also poses many dangers on the road where extra caution must be taken by drivers who follow these ten essential tips so that they can drive safely through the snowy season.
Therefore, slow down to adjust for less traction and leave a lot of room between you and the vehicle in front. Be aware of bridges and shady areas where ice will form first.