12 Winter Driving Tips For Staying Safe On The Road

Nobody likes driving in the winter—the freezing temps, snow and ice-covered roads, and multiple layers of clothing can be much. But it's an unavoidable part of life for most folks, and for your safety when behind the wheel, you should remember these three words: drive smarter, not harder.

You don't need to avoid the roads and fly down them like your hair's on fire, but driving smart is essential to stay safe all winter. How do you do that exactly? Read on to find out!

Tips for Driving on Ice

Driving in icy conditions can be especially dangerous, so it's essential to be extra cautious when the roads are slick. Here are some things to keep in mind when driving on ice:

1. Break Slowly And Sparingly

When driving in winter, breaking slowly and sparingly is important. When stopping suddenly on a slippery road, the car may skid out of control. Excessive force applied to the brakes can trigger a slide or worsen an existing drift. Driving too fast is the leading cause of winter driving accidents, so it is important to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and use brakes sparingly on icy roads..

2. Increase Your Distance From The Car Ahead

Taking extra caution when driving in winter weather is essential for safety. Increasing the distance between you and other cars can help ensure everyone stays safe. This will help reduce the chance of an accident due to icy or snow-covered roads requiring a greater stopping distance than on dry pavement. Think of this space as a collection of opportunities to stop; the more extensive the collection of opportunities to stop, the better. Using better judgment when picking routes in these conditions is also important.

3. Identifying and Driving on Black Ice

Black ice is a dangerous road hazard, particularly during winter. It cannot be easy to spot due to its glossy sheen and is more likely found in shaded areas, quiet roads, bridges, flyovers, and tunnels. Avoid swerving or slowing down if you encounter a patch of black ice by keeping your hands on the wheel and your pace steady. If you need to slow down, utilize the gears instead of the brakes.

4. Ice Skidding Correction

Skidding on ice can be a frightening experience, but it is important to remain calm and take the proper steps to correct the skid. The first step is to steer gently in the direction of the skid. This will help you regain control of your vehicle and prevent it from spinning out of control. It is essential not to take your hands off the steering wheel or brake hard, as this could cause further loss of control. You should also steer in the same direction as the skid moves, as this will help you regain traction and keep your vehicle from sliding further.

Tips for Driving in the Snow

Driving in snow can be tricky, especially if you're not used to it. If you have to drive in the snow, consider these suggestions:

5. Warm up Your Vehicle Before Driving

Driving in cold weather can be challenging, especially if your vehicle isn't prepared. It is important to warm up your vehicle before driving, as this will help the engine perform better and heat up faster. Before moving your car, let it idle for 30 seconds to a minute. This will give the oil time to circulate and warm up the engine. Also, keep your petrol tank filled, and your battery charged. You should also change the oil filter and oil to a thinner grade for cold weather conditions.

6. Remove Snow and Ice

It is essential to clear ice and heavy snow off your vehicle before driving. This will ensure you have an uninterrupted view of the road ahead. Avoid using hot water to defrost your car. Instead, use a good quality ice scraper, de-icer, or homemade spray of rubbing alcohol and water to clean the windscreen. Ensure the inside window is clean in all directions so you can see clearly out of every window. Check to see if the rear-window defroster is working correctly too.

7. Avoid Situations Without Accelerating

It is important to remember that driving at a slower speed is ideal in all circumstances, especially in snowy conditions. The recommended safe driving speed in the snow is half what you usually drive. Keeping your vehicle in first or second gear on snow or ice will give you more control and traction.

8. Gear Up for Snow Driving

With the proper equipment and planning, driving safely in the snow is possible. The most important thing to do is ensure your car is ready for winter driving. Check the tires, brake pedals, and battery to ensure they are in good condition. Installing skid chains or snow tires will also help improve grip on the road. Additionally, having a snow shovel, bag of salt and tow strap handy can help you if you get stuck in the snow.

Rain-Safe Driving Tips

Rainy driving can present a challenge, particularly for inexperienced drivers. If you must drive in the rain, consider these safety measures:

9. Headlights Improve Visibility

One way to stay safe while driving in the rain is to ensure your car is visible. You can do this by turning on your headlights any time you drive, even during the day. This helps other drivers see you better.

In addition to using your headlights, you should ensure that your lights and reflectors are clean and unobstructed. Use a soft cloth to wipe it away so that other drivers can see you from far away. Keep a supply of spare light bulbs in your vehicle if one burns out while driving.

10. Beware of Hydroplaning

One of the most important tips for driving safely in the rain is to beware of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when your tires lose traction on wet roads, and the vehicle can skid or swerve out of control. It happens quickly during heavy rains because water accumulates on the roads faster than it can evaporate, creating large puddles that your tires may slip through.

The best way to prevent hydroplaning is to slow down and drive at a moderate speed when it's raining. This helps your tires stay in contact with the road better instead of skidding across it. Also, ensure your tires are properly inflated and use tread depth appropriate for wet weather driving. Newer cars often come equipped with 'rain mode' traction control, which can also help prevent hydroplaning, so be sure to familiarize yourself with this feature if your vehicle has it!

11. Turn off the Cruise Control

One of the essential tips for driving safely in the rain is to slow down and turn off cruise control. Wet roads can lead to reduced traction, and a decrease in stopping distances, so reducing your speed is critical. This will help ensure you have time to react to unpredictable road conditions, like standing water on the roadway or hydroplaning.

12. Avoid the Splash

Driving at a low speed is vital to avoid the splash from puddles and large potholes. When driving in heavy rain, stay in the center of your lane so that water doesn't flood your tire wells or force you off course. Slow down around bends and curves because they tend to be even more dangerous during heavy rain.

Final Words

Driving safely in icy, snowy, and wet conditions takes practice and skill. Knowing how your vehicle reacts to icy conditions is vital before going on a long-distance winter trip. Practicing driving on snow and ice in a safe environment, such as a local parking lot, can help you become more comfortable handling your vehicle in these conditions.