Driving in winter weather for the first time can be scary if you do not know how to handle the precarious driving conditions. Driving in the snow and ice is not difficult if you take your time and incorporate some useful winter driving skills into your daily commute. The following guide features a few winter driving tips to make your next commute on hazardous roadways a bit safer.
Take Your Time
When you are driving on icy or snowy roads, you need to take your time. Your car could hit a slick spot on the road and loose traction at a moment’s notice. Driving a few miles per hour under the posted speed limit can help you maintain control of your car even when driving through slippery areas because you often have better traction at lower speeds.
Create Ample Space
Be sure to leave space between you and other cars on the road. You will not be able to stop as quickly on slippery roads and creating ample distance between you and other cars will provide you with plenty of space to fully stop when needed.
Know Where You Are Going
When you are driving on icy roads, it is important to know where you are going. You will not be able to dart across traffic to ensure you don’t miss a turn or speed through a yellow light to avoid having to wait. Know where you are going ahead of time and give yourself plenty of time to get there to ensure that you can remain as safe as possible on icy commutes.
Use Snow Chains When Needed
Snow chains easily wrap around the tires you already have on your car to provide you with more traction on slippery roadways. The chains should only be used in very slippery environments, as they can cause damage to roadways when used improperly.
These winter will allow you to have better control of your car and stay as safe as possible during hazardous driving conditions.