Stay Safe – Driving in Snow and Wintry Weather

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Winter means you might find yourself facing ice, sleet and snow, which means you need to be prepared. Not only do you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the weather, but you have to change the way you drive and the way you think. Remember that even if you’re doing everything right, it only takes one other driver that’s unprepared or careless to cause trouble. So the first thing to do is plan ahead and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Here are some other things to keep in mind…

Pesky Potholes

Icy conditions, salt and snow plows are a terrible combination for pavement and can often lead to potholes. Whatever you do, don’t try to swerve around them (like more than half of people do). If you catch your tire on the edge it’ll just end up doing more damage. And don’t slam on the brakes either. You could end up bringing the car to a halt right in the hole, which can also do more damage. Instead, slow down and drive over it as slow as you can safely do.

Get Your Tires Ready for Winter

The first thing is to choose the right tire. Lots of people think that winter tires are only needed for snowy and icy conditions. But they’re actually designed to perform better and hold up better in cold weather – period… even if the roads are as clear as can be. All season or summer tires become hard in cold air. Winter tires don’t get hard and they grip the pavement when wintry conditions do come along.

All Season Tires – Don’t fall into the trap of believing all season tires are really for all seasons. Well, they can be, bu they’re not the best choice. They’re sort of a compromise. They do so-so for warm summer conditions and so-so in cold winter conditions. They don’t stay soft and pliable in cold weather like winter tires do.

Don’t Under Inflate – Many people believe the old saying to under inflate tires for winter weather. But you really shouldn’t. When the temperature is dropping, your tires will typically lose a pound or two for every ten degrees that it drops. Always inflate them to manufacturers specifications.

Mixing Tire Types – Some people put winter or snow tires only on the drive wheels. Don’t do this. Mixing tires will only wear all four of them down faster and unevenly, which can be dangerous. It will also affect how well your car stops.

On The Road

Snow Plows – When driving in wintry conditions, you’re very likely to come across snow plows. While they’re normally very well trained, their vision of cars behind them is very limited. They may have to slow down, take turns, etc… and most accidents involving snow plows happen because other cars run into them.

Make sure you keep five car lengths between you and a snow plow. Don’t get impatient and try to pass them. Have a little patience, because they know they’re slowing traffic and they’ll pull to the side whenever it’s safe to do so to let traffic pass.

Salted Doesn’t Always Mean Safe – Sometimes salted roads can become even more dangerous than those not salted. This can happen with temperatures drop low into the teens or below. Salt needs time to work and at these temperatures it refreezes fast. This is why sand is often used instead.

Hint: Look at the wheels of any cars that decide to pass you. Is the snowy slush being thrown outwards to the side or is it being thrown directly behind the tires? If it’s going outward to the side then the salt is doing its job. If it’s being thrown straight back, that’s your clue that the salt isn’t working as well and icy conditions are likely to develop soon.

If You’re Stranded

Should you find yourself stranded in wintry conditions, stay with your vehicle. According to the National Weather Service, many people who don’t stay with their vehicle die every year. Stay calm and hopefully you have an emergency kit in your car. Tie something red to your antennae to try to signal for help from passer-byers. If you have a cell phone, of course call 911. Most modern phones have features to help them find you, but you should always be aware of exactly where you so you can tell them anyways.

Don’t keep your car running all the time. Instead, run it for ten minutes every hour just to get some heat going. Before you even do that though, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear so you aren’t breathing carbon monoxide. Even then, it’s best if you crack a window for some ventilation.

In any case where your car doesn’t start, use candles to provide heat. It may not be a whole lot, but it will help. Stay warm with blankets, clothes, coats. But don’t get too comfy, because you want to keep your arms and limbs moving often to help fend off hypothermia.

Planning ahead is key. Being ready for poor road conditions could mean the difference between arriving safely at your destination and a serious mishap along the way.

Other Resources:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/learn-these-four-winter-drivin/21685408

 

Veronica Davis