Winter Driving 101
Start revamping your car and driving skills to drive safely in the extreme and severe, often-hazardous conditions that you usually encounter during winter. You have to reconsider certain driving techniques and rules specifically while driving in snow, blizzard or wet conditions that you will come across so often when the chill sets in. You can have a look at the following useful winter driving tips that might help you drive smoothly and safely throughout winter.
While driving in winter you must always be alert of weather conditions. Listen carefully to all kinds of radio alerts and weather updates while driving. You might get caught up in a blinding snow-storm/blizzard if you are inattentive too often.
During winter the surrounding visibility on the road is quite poor, especially when it snows heavily or the sun remains hidden behind the clouds. In such dark and gloomy conditions you'll need to drive with your car’s entire lighting system turned fully on. This helps to enhance the visibility on the road substantially. It also makes your car conspicuous amidst several other cars and vehicles on the road, which is especially important while driving on a highway/freeway.
During winter the roads become extremely slippery. Your car can skid dangerously if you try to accelerate carelessly. So never drive at a high speed in winter, avoid jerky steering while braking or accelerating to prevent skidding. Always drive slowly within controllable, comfortable and safe posted speed limits.
However if you think your vehicle is hydroplaning/skidding dangerously then the best option would be either to step on the clutch or shift to neutral gear avoiding braking suddenly. Go in for threshold braking instead. Do not accelerate in panic and stay calm! Only after gaining full control should you try to steer the vehicle in the direction you want it to go.
Check the braking system of your car prior to winter. Make sure that the brakes are working smoothly without jamming. Remember you will need them quite frequently while driving in winter to stay in control of your wheels!
Under normal driving conditions it is advised that you follow the two-second rule that helps you leave adequate space between your car and the vehicle in front of you for safety reasons. But in winter it would be wise enough to double/triple the two-second rule!
Bring down the speed to not more than a crawl while negotiating a sharp bend or corner on slippery roads in winter.
Beware of black ice! These are road patches that appear black and shiny and are ideal areas where your car wheels tend to lose grip quite easily. Drive slowly and carefully with your foot on the clutch or in neutral gear along with squeeze braking over these patches, and avoid accelerating at all costs.
Never drive when you are fatigued in winter.
In the car always stock up essential food, first aid, water, warm clothing, emergency lights, torches, blankets, shovel, towropes, chains, etc. to handle emergency situations.
If you're struck or stranded in a blizzard, or the traffic just seems to have come to standstill due to accumulation of layers of snow, do not panic. It’s better that you remain inside your car. Call for help if the cell phone signal is strong enough. You can draw attention to your vehicle by holding out colored flares, emergency flashers, flags, etc. To keep yourself warm, remain inside the car. Move your hands and feet to maintain proper blood circulation.
In order to handle winter conditions with greater confidence behind the steering wheel, find one of the short advanced driving courses that teach emergency winter driving skills. Get yourself enrolled before winter arrives.
