Winter is a beautiful season, but cold temperatures and icy roads can make it dangerous to travel. Whether you’re driving around town running errands or embarking on a road trip across the country, there are certain precautions you should take to protect yourself and others on the road. Here are some winter driving safety tips that will help keep you safe while journeying through snow-filled landscapes this season!
Invest in All-Season Tires for Snow
Winter roads can be the ultimate challenge for drivers, especially when navigating slick and icy terrain. While many drivers opt for a set of winter tires, their narrow focus on snow and ice can leave them stranded when the weather changes. Enter the all-season tire, designed to conquer winter roads and still provide year-round performance. With their superior performance in wet, dry, and snowy conditions, all-season tires provide enhanced safety on the road regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you. Clearly, this is an investment worth making.
Plan Ahead
Winter can create some of the most hazardous driving conditions with snow, sleet, and freezing rain creating slick roads. Before you head out on the road, monitor updates from local news stations or download weather apps, so you can better prepare for any upcoming storms or severe weather conditions. Planning accordingly may mean leaving earlier in the day or taking an alternate route to avoid hazardous roads.
Making sure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving with good tires, brakes, and wiper blades can also keep you safe on the road. And when in doubt, avoid getting out (if it's possible!).
Store Emergency Supplies
Nobody ever plans for an emergency, but it's always better to be prepared. Keeping an ice scraper, extra blankets, flashlights, and a first-aid kit in your car can help if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Having a fully charged cell phone is also important; however, if service is spotty or you find yourself in a remote area, it's wise to store items like flares or road hazard triangles in your car for extra safety. You never know when you might need them, but having these supplies easily accessible can bring a sense of comfort and security. Stay safe on the road and remember to pack your emergency supplies before your next drive.
Slow Down
As the winter months approach, drivers should take extra caution on the roads. Accelerating too quickly, braking unpredictably, and speeding are all unsafe driving behaviors that can become even more dangerous in icy conditions. Driving slowly and allowing for more time to brake will help you stay safe and reach your destination safely. Apart from getting you in danger, driving faster in these conditions can get you into trouble with the law. San Bernardino County drivers often look for speeding ticket lawyers in Fontana after being caught driving fast in bad weather conditions. Don't let this be you, leave earlier and slow down.
We even recommend leaving extra space between you and other vehicles while on the road, allowing for a cushion if you need to brake quickly. Take your time and be sure to watch for black ice, which can create slick patches on the road that are hard to spot.
Use Lights
In winter conditions, visibility is often compromised due to shorter daylight hours, fog, or snowfall. During such times, using your vehicle's lights becomes critical for safety. Always turn on your headlights, even during daylight hours, to make your vehicle more visible to others on the road. If you encounter fog or heavy snowfall, use your fog lights or low beams. High beams can cause glare and reduce visibility in such conditions. Make sure your lights are clean and functioning properly before you start your journey, as they can significantly increase your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Be Aware of Road Conditions
Whether you're heading out for a long journey or simply popping into the store, keep an eye on the road conditions. As the temperatures drop, icy patches become more common and can cause hazardous driving conditions. To avoid accidents and stay safe on the road, always be on the lookout for road signs that alert drivers to potential icy patches ahead. It's essential to adapt your driving style according to the conditions to prevent skidding or losing control of your vehicle. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to navigate icy patches and reach your destination safely.
Driving during winter can certainly be hazardous, but being prepared and adopting safe practices can mitigate the risks. Remember to invest in all-season tires, plan ahead, keep emergency supplies in your car, slow down, use your vehicle's lights, and be constantly aware of the road conditions. By implementing these safety tips, you can enjoy the beauty of the winter season and your journeys, while staying safe on the road. Keep in mind that safety should always be your number one priority, regardless of the season!
