If you’re going away for the winter holidays this year, or just have to drive a fair amount in the winter, there are certain precautions to be taken while driving on icy roads, regardless of whether you are an expert and accomplished driver or a novice.
Driving on snowy and/or icy roads is only possible when you are in firm control of your vehicle. But even then, it can take just one simple mistake to lose control of your car and have an accident, with potentially serious consequences.
Even though the wheels of your vehicle have special tread patterns engraved in them to allow the tire to keep a firm grip on asphalt roads, this is not always the case during a winter storm where snow and underlying ice, particularly black ice, can make for hazardous driving conditions.
If or when applying the brakes, the car, instead of gripping the surface of the snow-covered ice and coming to a halt, can skid. The slippery surface of the ice-covered street does not allow for friction which causes the car to stop. Be wary, bridges can freeze at a different rate than roads, making them even more hazardous.
When planning to drive on snow-covered streets and roads, it is important to:
* Change the regular tires to snow tires and/or utilize chains on them as an extra safety measure. And, ensure the tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s instructions for winter driving. Also, check and be sure there are no bald spots on them.
* Drive the car slowly. Maintain an appropriate distance from the car in front of you so that if you do skid, you will be able to stop your car before hitting the other.
* If snow is falling when you are driving, it can restrict your visibility. This is why it is so important that you change the windshield wipers regularly. Use the heating system in the car, but keep a window open slightly to prevent the windows from fogging up inside. A helpful tip is to mix a little bit of anti-freeze in with the windshield cleaner fluid. Also, carry a bottle of warm water with you to help keep the shield free of freezing salt and spray flying up and sticking to it from the cars and trucks in front of you.
* Use extra caution when you are changing lanes or making turns. Signal well in advance of the turn so that the car behind you has adequate time to adjust their speed. Avoid any sudden or hasty movements or braking.
* If your brakes give out and go flat to the floor board, pump them back up to a firm and taut state. However, do not attempt to pump the brakes if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes.
* If you should begin skidding, turn the wheel towards the direction you are skidding; not against it. Although the sudden onset of instinct will be to turn away from the direction you are skidding, doing so can send your car into a tail-spin, possibly causing you to loose complete control of it.
* If the roads you are planning to take are particularly icy, try to take a different route. Avoid hilly streets, or snow-covered ones if at all possible.
Best of all, always be sure to check the weather forecast before planning any journey, and avoid going out at all if there is a winter weather advisory or watch. These few precautions should help keep you safe on the road if you have to go out in bad weather. Be safe and sensible this winter!