Winter driving conditions pose challenges even for the most experienced drivers. Snow and ice often result in slippery driving conditions that push our driving skills to the limit.
Learning to drive properly for these conditions can mean the difference between having an accident and arriving safely at your destination. It is important you drive for the conditions and take some basic measures to ensure both your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Here are some driving tips you should remember.
Maintain a safe following distance. It takes longer to stop on snow and ice than it does on dry pavement. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Allow at least 4 to 6 seconds between you and other vehicles to ensure you can stop in time if required.
Match your driving speed to the road conditions. Remember the posted speed limit is the maximum you can drive under ideal conditions. In winter it is advisable to drive slower than the posted speed because there is always the element of uncertainty surrounding road conditions. Ice and snow may be present in one area but not another. Driving at slower speeds gives you more time to react in an emergency situation.
Avoid rapid acceleration and braking. Starting slowly on snow and ice will give you more traction. When slowing, think ahead. Apply the brakes gradually. Add pressure slowly rather than braking suddenly will prevent you from skidding out of control.
Watch for black ice. Black ice can form at any point on the road, especially in areas of shade, on bridges and overpasses. These areas tend to freeze more quickly causing a thin layer of ice to form on the asphalt and often appear invisible to drivers. Being conscious of your surroundings and aware of areas where black ice may form will help you avoid losing control in those areas by being caught unaware.
Avoid making sudden steering moves. It is advisable to slow down and steer smoothly. This will help you avoid skidding out of control on slippery surfaces. Quick movements of the steering wheel can put you into a skid just as rapid acceleration and deceleration can.
Drive with your headlights on. Increasing your visibility is critical for safe winter driving, especially when it is snowing.
Learn to handle skids appropriately. Skids will happen during winter driving and quite often drivers will end up out of control unless they know what to do. If you feel your vehicle skidding, take your foot off the accelerator or brake and steer smoothing in the direction you want to go. If your skid is in a straight line, put the car into neutral to disengage the transmission. This should keep the vehicle straight.
While many people fear winter driving, having an understanding of what to do when the situation arises will ensure you arrive safely at your destination.
Barry has been writing articles for 6 years. Come visit his latest website http://www.studdedwintertires.ca/ which helps people find the best studded winter tires and information they looking for when looking for winter snow tires.
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