10 Tips for Driving Safely in Snow and Ice [VIDEO]

As far as I’m concerned, you can never be too safe on the roadways. Do you know how to avoid sliding into the vehicle in front of you or how to avoid plunging into the ditch?

10 TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFELY IN SNOW AND ICE:

• Starting with the most simple of all, check your tire pressure and tread, make sure that your wipers are in good condition and that your fluids are full. Making sure that you vehicle is equipped with the basics will give you a winning chance against the snow, ice and other drivers.
• Decrease your speed in general and allow two to three times more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you compared to good driving conditions.
• Don’t use cruise control on icy roads
• When braking, don’t slam on your brakes-YOU WILL SLIDE, ease the brake down and if you begin to slide/skid take your foot off of the brake. If you continue to slide, steer into the slide/skid. Now here’s a thing about the brakes, when you do depress them, if you have standard brakes you can pump them gently if you have anti-lock brakes-DO NOT PUMP, there will be a pulsing feeling when you depress the brake, this is normal.

• Avoid sudden movements, this is especially helpful when stopping and going into a turn, but it really helps reduce spinning out of control while driving in general on snow and ice. Ease up on the gas without hitting the brake if you notice a potentially icy patch. Remember icy patches will likely be on bridges, overpasses and in shaded areas.
• Leave in plenty of time to reach your destination, in extreme conditions it can take two to three times longer than normal to reach your destination, the last thing you want to do is find yourself in a hurry, this can cause you to be more worried about getting somewhere on time verses driving safely.
• When leaving from a stopped position be sure to gently press the gas, sudden surges can cause the vehicle to spin and you could potentially spin out of control.
• On a downhill slope, lower your speed before you get to it and keep control of the speed, avoid hitting the brake hard and remember no sudden movements with the steering wheel.
• It may seem like a no brainer, but do not text or talk on the phone in hazardous road conditions, and yes, ice and snow are hazardous road conditions.
• One of the safest tips would be to stay put, if you don’t have to get in your vehicle and hit the road, don’t. Staying home can be the best way to keep yourself safe.