Staying safe on the roads in winter requires a cautious approach from all parties. Whether you’re amid a snowfall or are driving after one has occurred, all drivers are, in essence, partners as we navigate to our respective destinations. Keeping roads safe in winter also involves steps your municipality can take, such as applying salt brine to roads and properly optimizing snowplow schedules.
Here’s how you can prioritize safety when out on the road.
Clear Off All Snow and Ice From Your Vehicle
Clean your vehicle of all snow and ice from the top down. All windows, mirrors, lights, and the vehicle’s roof should be free from debris that could fly off or obscure visibility. To this point, ensure you always have a snow brush and scraper in your vehicle, no matter where you are.
Let Your Windows Defrost Before Driving
As annoying as it can be to wait for your car to defrost, set aside the time to clear your windows of frost. Too many drivers don’t, which sets them up to drive in dangerous conditions, potentially leading to an accident.
Prepare the Roads With Salt Brine
Municipalities should take this step: Use salt brine for roads. This is a liquid mixture of salt and water used to pre-treat roads for ice. It prevents ice from bonding to the pavement, which is one of the best strategies for ensuring safe driving conditions.
Check Weather Conditions Beforehand
Check the weather forecast before you hit the road to know what to expect. This will provide a realistic timeframe for getting somewhere so you don’t rush or overlook potential hazards. Never rush. If anything, give yourself extra time.
Keep Your Vehicle Fluids Filled
Keep extra Antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and engine oil in your vehicle and ensure existing levels are topped off. These fluids can make or break your vehicle’s performance on the road. For expert advice on choosing the right antifreeze for your vehicle, check out JennyChem and ensure you’re using the correct type to keep your engine protected year-round.
Let Snowplows Do Their Work
Keep a safe distance from snowplows. They’re there to clear the roads. Stay off the roads entirely during a storm. If you do have to drive, know that snowplows can create clouds of snow that reduce visibility. Drive with added caution around plows.
Slow Down in Winter Conditions
The best advice many will receive this winter regarding winter road safety is to slow down. Less speed means more time to react, maneuver, or stop, dramatically decreasing the chance of a collision.
Use Your Headlights Correctly
Keep your headlights clear of snow and ice. Avoid using high beams when it snows, as they cause too much reflection and limit visibility. Instead, use a vehicle’s regular headlights to illuminate the road.
Check Your Tire Pressure
For every 6 degrees Celsius that the temperature drops, a tire loses 1 PSI. This is why you want to check your tire pressure. Inflate your tires and keep them within the recommended range to ensure you can drive safely with maximum traction.
Get Winter Tires For Your Vehicle
Winter tires offer better traction, improve handling, and shorten braking distance by up to 25 percent. When the temperatures dip, and the roads are covered in snow, winter tires are far and away the best option for equipping your vehicle.
Monitor The Drivers Around You
Do not assume that every driver applies the same amount of caution as you. Monitor every vehicle near yours to ensure that you can do what you need to do to avoid a collision if another driver makes an error or if they start to slide across the icy ground.
Stay Calm When Your Vehicle Slides
If you start to lose control and your vehicle slides, take your foot off the gas, brake, and steer in the direction you want. A vehicle is designed to naturally regain control and interrupt momentum; however, hitting the gas or braking hard will only worsen the situation.
Create a Car Survival Kit
Keep a winter survival kit in your trunk. If you run into trouble, such as being unable to start your car, you won’t be stranded without resources. Your survival kit might include extra gloves, booster cables, a small shovel, a bottle of windshield wiper fluid, a First Aid Kit, a safety vest, flashlights, water bottles, and some energy-based food.
Avoid Cruise Control On Slippery Roads
If you rely on cruise control while driving on slippery roads, you will likely lose control of your vehicle. Avoid using cruise control in winter, especially before and after an ice storm or blizzard.