Brrr. It’s cold out there. And that’s great if you’re a kid looking at the weather forecast dreaming of snowball fights and cancelled school days. But the fact is, winter weather can be dangerous – especially for drivers – so don’t forget these winter driving tips before you hit the road.
Before You Drive
As a driver, you can get stranded anytime, but the chances of it happening during cold, inclement weather is even greater. That’s why you should be prepared. Make sure you have extra food, water, warm clothes, a flashlight, medicine, and other necessities in your vehicle. Check that your tires are properly inflated and you have plenty of fuel. And of course, never warm up your car in an enclosed area, such as a garage, as carbon monoxide gas is deadly.
When Snow Falls Your Speed Should Too
One of the most important things to remember when roads are slick is that you need to slow down. This doesn’t refer only to how fast you travel. It also means you should accelerate and decelerate much more slowly than usual. In fact, AAA recommends rolling stops instead of full stops if at all possible. The reason? The difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start from a fully resting position versus one in which you are rolling.
Up Hill Battles
When you’re traveling up or down a hill, it can be very dangerous, and knowing the best way to navigate these roads is very important. According to AAA, the best way to go up a snow-covered hill is to slowly build a little momentum before you reach the hill and let that momentum do a lot of the work in powering you up the hill.
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Stay Connected
While you are out on the road, particularly if you’re on a long distance excursion, it’s important to stay connected. Be sure your devices are charged, notify others about where you are going, and stay tuned to weather updates as you drive.
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