The roads are scary out there this time of year, especially if you don’t usually drive in snow. However, with a little bit of research and preparation, you can help keep yourself as safe as possible, even in bad winter weather!
- Use all-wheel drive
Many cars have all-wheel drive. Make sure if you’re in a vehicle that has that ability to use it! It’s super helpful for remaining in control of your car, even in sketchy conditions.
If you are traveling somewhere that is prone to dangerous winter weather and are in a rental car, be sure to ask the rental agency about whether or not it has four-wheel drive and how to use it if you are unsure. It could be the difference between getting to your hotel safely and ending up having to dig your rental out of a ditch!
It is especially important if you don’t have all-wheel drive to accelerate and stop very slowly. Use your brakes as little as possible, as it can be easy to slide. Instead, slow down by gearing down and only use your brakes when absolutely necessary.
- Turn on your defrosters and headlights
Visibility is a massive issue during winter weather. Make sure you keep your defrosters and headlights turned on and drive nice and slow. Even if having your headlights on doesn’t make a difference for your visibility, it will allow other cars to see you through the nasty weather. The key principles to driving in snow are similar to driving in rain, it’s just frozen.
- Keep winter weather safety items in your car
Three things I always keep in my car, especially in the winter, are a snow scraper/broom, a warm blanket, and an extra coat. Another useful item to keep is a small snow shovel if you have access to one. The worst thing that could happen is being stranded somewhere with your car broken down in freezing temperatures, or getting your vehicle stuck with no way to dig it out. Another crucial mistake is walking out to your car and realizing all of the freezing rain is stuck to your windshield, and you can’t see a thing. All of these situations are avoidable with a little bit of preparedness, so be smart!
I hope this information has been helpful, stay safe out there!
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