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Winter Driving Safety

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Now What Do I Do?

I've lived in the Midwest nearly all my life. In fact, even though I lived in Arizona for a year, I've managed to never miss a winter here. That means I have been driving in winter weather conditions for a long time (no, I'm not going to tell you how long). So, while I may not think of myself as an expert on winter weather driving, I do have some tips and advice to share with you. And, some expert sites for you to visit.

The Absolute Best Winter Weather Driving Tip EVER

The best thing to know about driving in winter weather is to not do it. If the roads are bad, or a storm is forecast to be heading your way - stay home. That being said, there are times that you cannot do this or that you're already out when the weather hits. These tips will help you get through the experience a little better.

Winter Road Photos Found On Flickr

Driving In Snow & Ice

...from weather.com

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions. It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads:

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

Keep your lights and windshield clean.

Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid:

Take your foot off the accelerator.

Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse -- this is normal.

If your front wheels skid:

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.

As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck:

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.

Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.

Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first -- it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

Compact Snow Shovels, Ice Scrapers, & Snow Brushes

You will definitely want a folding or telescoping snow shovel for your trunk to save room. As for the ice scraper or snowbrush, sturdy is the key - I've had them snap on me before (which is also why I usually have two in my trunk).

Essential Supplies For Your Winter Weather Survival Kit

These should ALWAYS be kept in your car in the winter months.

In addition to the list below, you should also carry things to help you stay warm: extra thick socks, some mittens, and heavy scarf and hat, a warm pair of boots, a blanket.
You should have enough of these warming things for all that would typically travel in your vehicle plus one extra set.

Working flashlight and extra batteries
Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
First aid kit
Exterior windshield cleaner
Ice scraper and snow brush
Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
Scissors and string/cord
Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
Shovel
Jumper cables
Tow and tire chains
Bag of salt or cat litter
Tool kit

Salt & Jumper Cables For Your Vehicle

Having road salt serves two purposes: it can help you get out of snow you're stuck in, and it adds extra weight to your vehicle to give you extra traction. If you decide to get kitty litter to carry, be sure it is not the clumping kind or paper or any of those. You want the old fashioned clay variety. You'll get the weight plus be able to get traction. The fancy litters will make a gloppy mess quickly which will then freeze and might be worse than what you started out with.

Winter Weather Driving Videos Found On YouTube

I'm Stranded - Now What Do I Do?

Don't panic - you're going to get through this just fine!

Stay with your car. Unless you are absolutely certain where you are and where to go to for help, and that you can make it there on foot -- you are safer inside your car.

Now is when you need the reflector triangles, road flares and that piece of bright cloth. Place a flare in front of and behind your vehicle a safe distance away and the reflector triangles also front and rear of the vehicle. Tie the cloth to your cars antannae.

If you're sure that the exhaust pipe of your vehicle is not blocked you can run your vehicle for warmth. Run the engine (and the heater) about 10 minutes every hour, as your fuel allows. You can also use the blankets and other warm clothing articles you have in your trunk.

Keep a window cracked open slightly to keep the snow and ice from building up and possibly sealing your vehicle.

You can eat the snacks and/or to keep your energy levels up.

First Aid Kits & Flash Lights

Remember to always replenish your vehicle's first aid kit after you use something out of it. For flashlights, you might want to consider having an additional small one in your glovebox inside the car with you. And, don't forget extra batteries.

Winter Weather Driving Safety Websites

Safe Winter Driving: From The National Safety Council
Winter Driving: From The Ontario Ministry Of Transportation
Winter Driving Safety: From The Nevada Department of Transportation
Driving Tips - Winter: From The Canadian Centre For Occupational Safety & Health
Winter Driving: From The Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Winter Weather Driving Guest Book

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lollyj Apr 11, 2012 @ 3:19 pm | delete

Excellent tips. I honed my winter driving skills on icy, winding mountain roads in Kentucky.

Reply

Tipi Nov 26, 2011 @ 10:47 am | delete

What a great reminder about winter driving safety. Every year...people forget how to drive around here, and there are a lot of fender benders in town, and accidents out of town. May people remember to slow down, or stay home, or at work, whatever. Its far better to get to where you need to be, even if it takes longer.

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marciag Sep 28, 2011 @ 7:29 am | delete

Thank God here in Cyprus it hardly snows (I LOVE snow, but for driving its' easier without). But I guess this makes us some of the worst drivers ever, because when the proverbial booboo hits the fan, we don't really know how to deal with winter driving safety.
Great lens!

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ChrisDay Jan 14, 2011 @ 6:45 am | delete

I'm a confirmed petrol head and love snow but your advice is still excellent and well taken

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RobGrawberger Dec 29, 2010 @ 12:58 pm | delete

Very well put together lens. I live in the flatland prairies of Manitoba Canada. Although I knew all this already it still makes for a good reminder.
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