Even if you love snow and winter activities, chances are you don’t enjoy driving in the snow. It can be difficult, dangerous, and stressful. But if you live in an area with relatively harsh winters, it is something you have to deal with each year. Whether you are driving in the snow for the first time or the hundredth, it is always a challenge.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to make driving in the snow safer and smoother. After all, even if you are an experienced driver, you can still learn more about how to drive safely in the snow.
Get Your Car Ready Before You Head Out
The very first thing you want to do before driving in the snow is to make sure your car is ready for the task. Take a look at your tires, lights, and wipers to see if anything needs to be replaced. Each time you head out, make sure you clear all the snow off your vehicle. Giving your defroster a minute to warm up is also a good idea.
Give Yourself Extra Time
If you know in advance that you will be driving in the snow, leave a little early to give yourself more time. Being in a rush certainly won’t help when driving on slippery roads.
Drive Smoothly
Once you are out on the road, do your best to drive smoothly. This means avoiding harsh starts and stops and sudden lane changes. Maintain a constant speed as much as possible. This will help your vehicle keep a better grip on the road. It will also let drivers around you know what to expect from you, which is exactly what you would like from them.
Look Ahead
Always keep an eye down the road when driving in the snow, especially when driving in the snow at night. This will give you more time to react to conditions and traffic ahead so you don’t have to stop or slow down as sharply.
Give Yourself Plenty of Space
Always follow at a greater distance in the snow. While that can mean having people merge in front of you more than you would like, it will give you more time to react to slowdowns up ahead.
Relax
Finally, breathe slowly and relax. You want to focus when driving in the snow, but you also want to avoid being tense. Relax and drive safely this winter. If you do experience a fender bender, contact the experts at Cascade Collision to get and damage to your vehicle straightened out.
