Winter conditions are the cause of many off-road and on-road accidents. Following these basic rules could help you avoid being part of the statistics.
Is your car safe enough to drive?
Before even considering driving in winter, be sure your car is able to drive in winter conditions. Check your wipers, heating, defrost, tires, windshield washer fluid and headlights… check everything!
If you want to reach your destination, you must drive a vehicle that will give you the vision and the traction needed to stay on the road.
Slow down and drive carefully
Driving in winter conditions greatly increases the probability of having an accident. Anticipate what might occur while driving and reduce your speed. Brake and turn very slowly to prevent your vehicle from sliding off the road.
Keep a safe distance
Also because of slippery conditions, keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. If you can stay even farther back, do so, even if you are using the taillights of the other car to know where to go. If the other driver makes a mistake, you are almost sure to pay for it too if you are following too closely.
Practice and stay calm
If you are used to driving on clear roads, simply going to the store to buy milk in a storm might become a traumatic experience. You must therefore take advantage of winter driving conditions to practice in a parking lot and get accustomed to how the vehicle reacts.
Avoid dangerous trips
If you want to make sure you don’t have any problems during winter conditions, stay at home! If you really have to drive, plan accordingly and try to choose the best time to prevent dangerous situations. Prevention will allow you to avoid unnecessary worries.
People will understand if you are not able to make it because of bad weather.
The key word to remember when driving in winter conditions is prevention. It's impossible to eliminate all risks, but it's possible to reduce them by not putting yourself in dangerous situations and returning home safe and sound.
