A No-Crash Course in Winter Driving
Image     Winter is undoubtedly the hardest season for driving. It requires a heightened level of concentration, complete focus on the road, and an understanding of what winter conditions can mean for you. With the winter, comes a variety of dangers not found throughout other seasons.

     These includes: limited visibility, black ice and slick road conditions. When driving in bad weather conditions, the most important thing to do is slow down.  Tires loose traction much easier and at lower speeds when ice or snow is on the road.  A highway speed limit of 65 miles per hour may be ok in dry weather conditions, but could mean serious trouble when road conditions are not so favorable. Below are some addition tips for winter driving. 
 

-Give yourself extra time. It isn’t too hard to leave a few minutes earlier than usual. Leaving a few minutes early can keep you relaxed and focused on the road. 

-Be aware of other motorists. The road conditions are bad for them too. Other motorists are encountering the some problems as you (longer breaking distances, lose of traction, etc). Also be mindful of the vehicles around you because not all motorists take proper winter driving precautions. 
 


-Clear off your vehicle of snow or ice before you start driving. Chunks of snow that fly off of your roof or windows are not only a danger to you but to other motorists around you.

-Perform one action at a time. Forcing your vehicle to do two things at once, such as braking and turning can reduce your control. When making a turn slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is going straight. Then when it is time to turn, let up on the brakes and smoothly turn the steering wheel. Once you have finished the turn, begin to accelerate again.

-Avoid sudden actions when cornering. A sudden maneuver can work against you in slick conditions, and can cause your vehicle to go out of control.

-Accelerate slowly to decrease your likelihood of slipping. If starting on ice or snow when driving a manual transmission vehicle, try starting in second gear to reduce tire spin 
 

-When coming to a stop, allow longer braking distances. Start applying your brakes sooner than you normally would on dry roads. Also be sure to use a lighter touch when applying pressure on the brake pedal. 
 


-Be ready to correct for a slide. Usually your car will slide out of control when you are not expecting it, so always be ready. Often times simply slowing down and applying less pressure to the gas can allow for your tires to regain traction. 
 


-Don't let four-wheel or all-wheel drive give you a false sense of security. 4WD and AWD systems provide extra traction when accelerating. However, they are not the cure all to winter driving.
 
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