10 must-follow tips to drive safe in the snow
Driving in the snow can be scary and dangerous if you
don’t have much experience in winter weather driving.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet”.
Those accidents are responsible for nearly 900 deaths. To help you not be part of these statistics, we’ve prepared a list of some tips to be safe when the storm comes.
1 – Stay at home if you can
Only drive in the snow if you need to. Because you don’t want to put your life at stake unnecessarily. If you have no other options, consider taking public transportation.
You can call ahead to the
department of transportation in your state and check the condition of the roads
for that day to make sure it is safe to put your vehicle out there.
Before hitting the road, make sure your blinkers and wipers are working perfectly.
2 - Check your tires
Regularly check the tire tread and pressure on your
tires. You can do it using simple and affordable tools. As for the tire tread,
if you have a penny, you can use the Lincoln Penny Test.
The correct PSI for your vehicle’s tires can be found
on your owner’s manual or a sticker on the driver’s side door. On most
passenger vehicles the recommended is between 32psi to 35 psi.
One safety measure when the snowstorm hits is to fill
up your fuel tank. As a rule of thumb, every time you get half of a tank it is
time to fill it up again. It will prevent your gas from freezing and ensure
your vehicle has enough gas if you get stuck in traffic because of the snow.
4 – Check your windshield washer fluid
This step is essential to keep your visibility and safety when driving on the snow. Make sure to fill up your windshield washer reservoir.
You don’t want to be stuck with no visibility through your
windshield. Choose one that does not freeze and keep an extra gallon in your
vehicle all the time, especially during the winter.
5 – Check your wiper blades
Your wiper blades are considered safety items. In case they are not in good shape, your vehicle will fail the inspection. They are essential to help you keep good visibility when driving in the snow.
Make sure to check them periodically and make sure the
rubber isn't worn out.
6 – Basic tools you must have with you
Besides the extra gallon of windshield washer fluid,
there are some other items that you must consider carrying with you when
driving in the snow. They will help you keep your vehicle clean and safe. Here are
12 items you should keep in your car:
1. Flashlights: In case you
must make a stop, make sure to signalize the area so other vehicles passing by
can see you.
2. Scraper and snowbrush: No brainer, these items are the first ones you
must consider when preparing for the snow season. Even a little bit of snow can
obstruct your view and be dangerous. Leave those items always available and be
prepared to use them.
3. Shovel: Great to have
one in case you get stuck in the snow or need to clear your path to get out of
a driveway for example.
4. Salt, sand, or
traction mats: If you find yourself in a slippery situation,
having some salt to spread around your tires will have your vehicle gain
traction.
5. Jump cables: In case your
battery dies. You will thank me later for this tip.
6.
Warm blanket: It will come in
handy if you get into a situation where your vehicle won’t start. It will
keep you warm until the help comes.
7. Tool kit: If you learn
how to do basic maintenance and carry the right tools, you might not need to
wait in the cold for help.
8. First Aid Kit: It is a great
idea to keep one in your vehicle year-round. But in the winter is essential in
case someone gets hurt because of a crash.
9. Cell phone charger: Image if you
need to call for help but your phone is dead! It doesn’t hurt to have an extra
battery charger available in your car, especially in the winter. Rule of thumb,
fully recharge its battery before hitting the road.
10. Tire air pressure guide: A properly
inflated tire will provide better traction, and consequently you will have
better control of your vehicle.
11. Water and snacks: Who wants to
get stuck in the snow and hungry? Nonperishable snacks and some
water can save your day.
12. Snow gloves, hats, and extra winter clothes: You need to
clean your car, but you don’t want to get sick. Some extra layers will keep you
warmer therefore you will do a much better job.
7 – Remove snow and ice before starting driving
Before starting driving, make sure to clean out your roof, headlights, hood, trunk lid, and windshield. It is important to have a clear view of all directions. Here is an example on how to safely remove snow from your vehicle:
Also, the snow that comes off your vehicle can
obstruct other drivers’ visibility and cause serious accidents. In some states,
you can even get cited if you do not clean off the snow on your car before
start driving. Here are some states that made it mandatory for the drivers to
clean off the snow:
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
Even if you don’t live in a state that enforces it,
this is a must-follow recommendation for your safety. And the safety of others
on the road.
8 – What is the safe speed to drive in the snow?
Always remember that the speed limits are for dry
pavements. Driving in the snow or other winter weather conditions is about
driving slowly. Give yourself a safe distance between your vehicle and the one
in front and on the sides of it.
It will give you enough time to hit the brakes and
avoid a collision. If you’re driving a 4x4, remember that they are heavier
vehicles and take more time to stop. Don’t get a false sense of security or be
overconfident because you’re driving an AWD or 4WD.
Driving in the snow is no time for distractions. Be
cautious and vigilant. The safe speed is the one that allows you to keep
control of your vehicle.
9 – Avoid using the cruise control
You should avoid using cruise control on slippery
roads because that condition affects the system's ability to keep a constant
speed as it should be.
It can cause your vehicle to hydroplane, lose traction
and end up spinning on the road.
10 – Look far ahead
Be cautious and try to anticipate what could happen.
Start decelerating earlier if you know you have a curve ahead. Brake earlier
when you see the traffic ahead of you has already started slowing down.
Another thing to consider is to try a Triple
A membership or check if your insurance provider
if they offer roadside assistance. In case you get into a situation where you
need an extra hand.
You might also want to read about:
⮞ What is a VIN number and where to find it?
Be prepared to call for help if needed and do not
panic. If you follow these tips, you will get home safe. But among all of these
tips I could give, the most important is: if you don’t need to drive in the
snow, stay home and safe.
Best,
Car Safe Car Team