Driving in winter weather can be scary specially if you haven’t had the chance to drive due to the location where you live such as Texas, or Florida. But If drive up north during the months of January, February, and March you will encounter ice, snow, and slush on the roads. With the following tips we assure you will learn how to drive and learn things you need to do to prepare.
Winter Driving Tips:
- Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
- Avoid driving while you’re tired.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather. (if possible)
- Do not use cruise control driving in wet, icy, or snowy conditions
- Look and steer where you want to go.
- Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and ETA time of arrival.
- Pack blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
- If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible.
- If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids.
- Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
- Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road.
- Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can.