Winter driving is a challenge for most of us. We are used to zipping along on highways or neighborhood streets, but that is not safe. If you go 10 miles or more over the speed limit in some areas, you will risk spinning out of control on glare ice. You also run into a situation where your brakes can’t grip the road in time to stop a rear end accident. You have to be careful in the wintertime and remember these important tips.
• Pay close attention to the weather. Don’t assume the weather forecasters are wrong, which some people have a habit of doing. What you need to know is when and where precipitation is going to take place. You also have to know if there is going to be snow or icy rain or sudden drop in temperature. There something else to remember; The wind. The forecast for snow may be only 2 inches but the wind gusts of 30 miles an hour can blow snowdrifts up to a foot or more. If you are taking a long trip find out what direction the wind is coming from, and how fast it is going to be.
• Be kind to your brakes. Your brakes are going to get a lot of heavy duty during the wintertime. When you are going to be making a stop, begin applying the brakes up a little bit further away than normal. Concern about the brakes is another reason to go a little bit slower in the winter. Driving 10 miles under the speed limit can help you avoid an accident.
• Easy on the turns. This is where going at a very slow speed is going to help. If you are sliding, turn your wheels so that they are the same direction the rear of your car is sliding towards. Do not panic and be careful as you can correct that slide.
• Buckle up! This law is also the best way to protect yourself in the case of accident. Some people get lazy about their seatbelts and still ride without fastening the belt. Sliding or spinning on icy road happens faster than you think. The car can very easily go out of control and slide right into a ditch or telephone pole. Your seatbelt can save you from being seriously hurt. Always have it fastened when you are driving in the winter days.
• Don’t stop for accidents on icy roads. This sounds strange and a
Winter weather December 22nd…A car drives carefully in a blizzard in North Tyneside, as the current cold spell continues to grip the country. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday December 22, 2010. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
little bit heartless but you have to consider the circumstances. Parking on the side of the road to help somebody could result in oncoming traffic breaking at some of the cars losing control as a consequence. If you see a car on the side of the highway contact the Highway Patrol as soon as possible. Let them know where the stranded car is, and let these professionals offer assistance. Contacting them is perhaps the best Good Samaritan act on the winter highway.
• Stay off the road. If you are paying attention to the weather reports as you should, you will notice that warnings will be flashed advising people not to travel. Take that directive to heart. It often happens that multiple accidents occur because people are on the road for no good reason. Only in the event of a serious emergency should you be driving under adverse conditions. By all means obey any official directive & stay off the road to avoid winter storm’s rage.
• Avoid hills and other elevations. Try to plan your trips so that you are not driving on hilly roads, but on flat surface as much is possible. Going up and down hills can be very treacherous driving in the wintertime. It puts a great deal of stress on your brakes, and you are fighting against an icy incline.
You do not have to be the first driver on the road when there is a snowy morning. It makes more sense to wait a few minutes and allow traffic to drive over the snow, making it less of a driving hazard. At the same time, you have to give yourself a little extra time to get to work or to where you have to go. Winter months are not the time to be in a hurry anywhere.