The Best Winter Driving Tips For 2019 and Beyond

Driving in the wintertime will present a number of challenges to both you and the car you’re driving. Cold weather, for example, will test the limits of your car while wintry conditions outside of the car can test your limits as a driver. If you want to stay safe this winter, here are a few winter driving tips to consider.

IF YOUR CAR NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, DO IT NOW!

In the summertime, if your car breaks down, it might not be that big of a deal. In the winter, it can be a much more severe problem. Being stranded in a storm could mean uncomfortable and dangerous waiting conditions and delays in service vehicles reaching you. Additionally, getting your car serviced proactively may prevent problems that can lead to traffic accidents, such as problems with the brakes and steering.

KEEP YOUR CAR WELL-SUPPLIED

If you absolutely have to drive in the snow, ice, or cold weather, make sure that you at least have some basic supplies in your trunk. Some ideas:

• A bag of sand to help with traction.
• An extra bottle of windshield washer fluid.
• An extra blanket, preferably a warm one. You could even consider purchasing an emergency survival bag – these are made from Mylar material and they were designed by NASA to retain body heat.
• An old pair of winter boots.
• Some protein bars and extra bottles of water.

AVOIDING AND PREVENTING A CRASH

Whatever precautions you take, you may find yourself in dangerous driving conditions. It’s important to understand that driving in icy, snowy conditions is not like anything else. If you’re in a scenario with slippery ice, low visibility, and blustery winds, these tips could save your life:

• Accelerate and decelerate your car more slowly than usual.
• Increase your following distance between 8 to 10 seconds.
• Be aware of if you have antilock brakes or not. If you do, the brakes will “pump” in a skid situation.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Avoid using your brakes when going up a hill.
• Never use cruise control when winter driving.
• Never mix and match tire types!

Unfortunately, even if you follow these winter driving tips, it doesn’t mean that everyone else will. Traffic accidents can be especially harmful in winter driving conditions, and if you’re not liabile for the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay.

If you’ve been in an accident and need a lawyer, contact Sloat Law for a free consultation.