Prepare For and Drive Safely In Winter Weather

For many people, winter is an annoying and dreary time of year, when it’s too cold to really enjoy all that nature has to offer. Another thing that makes winter challenging is the weather. Snow, ice, and other wintry weather make it more difficult to drive safely in winter than in other seasons. Of course, it’s still possible to drive safely in winter—you just might have to take some extra precautions. As we still have winter weather ahead, here are the steps you can take to winterize your car and driving habits.

Preparing for winter

The first step to take, if you haven’t completed it already, is to check your vehicle’s tires and tire pressure. If you have them, swap out for winter tires. At the very least, make sure your tires aren’t too bald, as tires with sufficient traction can help you stay in control on the road. Also be sure to check your tire pressure. When cold weather comes, tire pressure tends to decrease, meaning you may need to add a little air.

The final prep step to take is to winterize your emergency kit. You should drive with an emergency kit year round, but consider adding a blanket, gloves, scarf, and tire chains in case you get trapped in severe winter weather.

Driving in winter weather

These preventive measures can help keep you safe in rough weather, but it’s also important to know how to drive in bad weather. Here’s how to stay safe in snow and ice once you actually get on the road.

• Test your ability to steer and brake slowly. Hopping on the highway and driving full speed isn’t the best time to learn that snow and ice is making it difficult to steer and brake. Instead, gently press down your gas pedal to get the car going to avoid spinning your wheels. You’ll also want to brake three times sooner than you typically need to.
• Don’t drive at full speed. Until you know exactly how much traction you do or don’t have on the road, it’s a bad idea to drive at full speed. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and take it slow to ensure you arrive safely.
• Try to avoid sudden braking. Slamming on the brakes when you’re driving on a slick road surface is a recipe for disaster. This, and jerking the wheel as you stop, can cause your car to slide. It can also cause you to lose control of the car. Instead, pump the brake gently, a little at a time. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, you can apply slow but steady pressure to the brakes. (This is also why it’s important to give yourself extra space to stop.)
• Keep your distance from other drivers. Aggressive driving is especially dangerous when the road condition is poor. Don’t forget to leave space between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Pay attention to the road condition and temperature. The road condition may not be consistent all over. Shaded parts of the road and bridges can remain icy even when the rest of the road is clear. Looking ahead for shiny, slippery spots can keep you safe on the road.

Though winter driving may seem scary, the more patient and prepared you are, the better you’ll feel about driving. And if you haven’t looked over your insurance policy lately, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any incidents you might encounter in the winter. Try Otto and find out how much you can save on your policy today!