How to drive in snow?

When driving in snow, you have to take extra precautions. The traction on snow and ice is different to that on dry pavement, and sudden movements can result in skids.

You can prevent many accidents by changing your driving habits to suit the conditions. Start slowing down earlier and more gently than usual, so that you can react quickly to unexpected traffic changes.

Slow down

While most people prefer to drive in nice weather, there are times when snowy or icy roads make it impossible to safely travel. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep yourself and others safe when driving in bad weather.

One of the first things you should do when driving in snow is slow down. Speed limits are based on ideal conditions, but your tires will have less traction on snowy and iced-up roads than they do on a clear day.

If you need to stop, give yourself enough time. The normal following distance rule of three seconds should increase to eight to 10 in wet and snowy conditions.

This extra time will allow you to come to a complete stop without hitting other vehicles or skidding off the road.

As your vehicle slows down, point the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Then, gently ease off the accelerator until your tires regain traction and you are back on track.

You can also use the brakes to regain control of your vehicle if it begins to skid or slip. However, slamming on the brakes may cause your car to lose even more traction, which can result in an accident.

If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), you can also use them to help you regain control of the vehicle. If you don’t have ABS, you should gently pump the brake pedal until you can regain control.

In addition, when you need to make a turn, be sure to slow down. This will take longer on icy or snowy streets, but it will help you avoid a needless collision with another vehicle.

Accelerating and decelerating should also be done slowly on slick or snowy surfaces. This will ensure that your tires have enough traction to make it through the corner and prevent you from skidding.

Lastly, when you need to brake, start earlier than you would on dry pavement. This will help you avoid needless rear-end crashes and other accidents.

Finally, don’t forget to keep your phone and other handheld devices out of the car. They can distract you from the task of driving and can be dangerous to other drivers on the road.

Stay with the flow

If you’re driving in the snow or any other winter weather condition, it’s important to stay with the flow. This will keep you from making any unnecessary risks and allow you to focus on your route rather than your vehicle.

It is also a good idea to map out an alternate route, in case the weather forces you to take the long way around or makes your usual route unusable. This will also help ensure you get to your destination without compromising on safety and time.

Another good winter-driving tip is to reduce your speed. While you may be tempted to increase your speed, doing so can lead to increased accident risk and more stress.

A safe rule of thumb is to reduce your speed by 10% or more when the road is wet, slushy, or icy.

This will not only help you avoid accidents but it can also save you from getting a ticket or worse.

The most important part of this is to be alert and aware of what is going on around you. This will make it easier to react to any emergency situations.

In addition to slowing down, the most impressive winter-driving safety measure is allowing extra space between you and other cars on the road. This will give you more room to maneuver if you encounter a sudden stop or collision.

Finally, the most effective way to keep your car in the cold weather is to make sure you have winter tires on it. These are specifically designed for ice and snow and will significantly improve your grip on the road, reducing your chances of an accident or skidding.

Don’t panic

Driving in snowy conditions isn’t exactly the same as driving in dry or rainy weather, and for some people, that difference can cause them to panic. They may start shaking, feel dizzy, and have difficulty breathing when they think about the prospect of driving in winter.

They might also find themselves avoiding the road altogether or trying to avoid any situations where they might get into an accident. This is a symptom of a deeper fear, one that can be hard to overcome.

It’s important to remember that driving in snowy conditions is a skill and takes practice and experience. Panicking won’t help you, and it could even make things worse.

The first thing you should do when driving in snow is to slow down. This is obvious, but it’s still the first thing many drivers do wrong when it comes to navigating snowy roads.

When you’re driving on a snow-covered road, your tires have less traction than they do on a normal dry road, so it’s important to accelerate slowly from a stop. This isn’t just smart; it helps you avoid skidding and keeps your tires firmly on the road.

Likewise, when you brake in snow, it’s best to apply the brakes gradually and gently. Braking too forcefully can unstick your tires and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Finally, when you’re going around corners, be careful not to overcorrect if your car begins to skid. This could lead to an uncontrollable spin, which is a very scary situation.

Instead, if your vehicle starts to skid, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. Then your tires will regain traction.

Another tip when you’re driving in snow is to stay with the flow of traffic. This is especially true if you’re passing other cars or if the road isn’t well-maintained.

Being with the flow of traffic makes it easier for you to avoid getting stuck in the middle of the road, which can be a very stressful situation. Plus, being with the flow can give you a little more time to react if something goes wrong, which is always a good thing when you’re driving in winter.

Be prepared

The winter season comes with many joys, but it also brings a lot of challenges when it comes to driving. Snow, sleet and freezing temperatures can cause problems for drivers, including the risk of losing control of their vehicle and having an accident.

The key to staying safe while driving in winter is to be prepared. It’s important to keep a winter emergency kit in your car, with items such as extra food, water, blankets, flashlights and medications. It’s also a good idea to take a course to learn how to change a tire and jump-start a vehicle in case of an emergency.

When it comes to driving in winter, it’s important to slow down and stay calm. A crash can happen at any time, even when you’re doing everything right, so don’t panic.

Be patient and give yourself plenty of room to make your turns. It can be tempting to pass cars on the side of the road, especially if you’re stuck behind them, but it can be dangerous if you don’t have enough space to make your turn.

It’s also a good idea to stay at least six cars behind a snow plow when they are working on the road. This helps ensure that the plow can see you and safely remove snow from the roadway, which will help keep the roads safer.

If you do find yourself stuck in the middle of a storm, make sure to get help as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to keep a phone in the car and call a friend or family member if you can.

In addition, it’s a good idea to carry a portable battery charger in case your phone dies or runs out of charge. This will allow you to use your phone for a short amount of time while you wait for assistance.

Another thing to consider is black ice, which can be a dangerous and confusing phenomenon during a storm. It’s a thin layer of ice that forms on the road when temperatures drop below freezing during the day. This can be difficult to spot and even more difficult to clear, so it’s important to drive slowly and carefully.