15 Safety Tips for Winter Driving

You know the usual driving tips for manning your vehicle in bad weather - brake in slow, steady strokes when skidding on ice, carry your cell phone at all times, keep flares in your car in case of emergency - but you cannot do much about those other drivers, especially the ones who drive on sheer ice as if it was a warm, sunny day or the people who are completely paralyzed by the sight of snow on the road and inch along like snails. Both kinds of drivers are a hazard to you. Here are a few tips on safe winter driving that will protect you from both the elements and the other vehicles on the road.

1. Allow lots of extra room between you and other cars. If it is the first snowfall of the season, many people on the road likely have not put on their winter tires and some are so anxious to get home that they are actually driving faster. Some people are stuck and don't know how to get unstuck while others are skidding every which way. Protect yourself from these types of drivers by keeping your vehicle at a safe distance from those around you. Since three to four car lengths is the standard distance that should be in between cars on the road, allow more space than this when it is snowing so you won't hit a car if you start to skid.

Beware impaired driving caused by reduced vision!

2. The position of the winter sun in combination with snow produces more glare, which limits your ability to judge how far away objects are. Even though it is winter and it may seem strange, remember to wear sunglasses - preferably those that enhance object visibility while cutting down on glare.

3. Clean off your windows. If it is snowing while you drive, clear of your side windows often - the lack of peripheral vision is a major accident hazard since you cannot see oncoming traffic and there is a higher risk that someone might lose control of their car and hit you from the side. When your side windows are covered in snow it blocks your field of vision by about 60 degrees. In most states that is not enough field vision for someone to legally drive. If it is snowing hard enough to obstruct your side windows it means it is also covering everyone else's windows, which means all the other drivers on the road have less than 120 degrees of vision. In most states that would mean everyone on the road around you is legally blind. Proceed accordingly.

Consider altering your route when it is snowing.

4. Avoid streets that you know are likely to be extra wet - streets that are normally wet from pipes or drainage are extra dangerous when frozen. Avoid streets with windy curves or poor visibility since they will become more treacherous. Stick to the straightest roads with the widest lanes for the most visibility.

5. When it starts to snow or rain, bridges, ramps and overpasses are likely to freeze first so try to avoid them if you can take another route.

6. Stick to the main roads that are most likely to be plowed first and more often. While normally it might be safer to drive along the back roads, the main roads will be plowed first. Try to avoid streets with lots of trees, which will be colder and the branches can break off with heavy snowfall and fall into the street. It is also better to be on the main road in case you get stuck since people will be able to find you faster and you might be able to walk to someplace warm until you can get your car unstuck.

7. If the road has not been plowed yet, try to drive in the tracks already made by another car. If you have the time, sometimes it is better to pull over somewhere safe like a well-lit parking lot until the roads are plowed.

Make plans in advance to avoid winter driving mishaps.

8. Visit MapQuest.com to find some alternate routes to your most common destinations in case your standard route becomes undriveable.

9. Winter is coming, it is not a surprise, and it will not come any later because you have put off getting your snow tires on the car. Pick a date a few weeks in advance of your region's average first snow to put on your winter tires so you won't be caught without them. The Farmers' Almanac is surprisingly on target when it comes to projecting the year's first snow. Also try Weather.com for a local weather projection and humidity levels to know when it might snow or rain.

10. A routine checkup of your battery, engine and antifreeze will help you avoid the risk of car troubles during an inopportune winter commute. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and you car has enough wiper fluid.

11. Consider public transportation in the winter when possible to reduce the number of cars on the road as well as to reduce your personal risk of getting stuck in the snow.

In the event that you do get stuck...

12. If you see someone stuck on the side of the road and you have your cell phone, call for help. If you get stuck, don't leave your car unless it would be really dangerous for you to remain in your car. If you run the engine, do so just enough to keep warm, only run it intermittently and crack the window slightly to avoid carbon monoxide risks.

13. Keep a flashlight, flares or the new LED lights in your car and use them if you get stuck. This will help people see that you are still in your car, and they'll be more likely to help or call for help.

14. Keep a winter safety kit in the car. It should contain a blanket, a few snacks, some batteries and a flashlight in case you get stranded. Many of the items available in sports stores for winter spectator sports are useful in this circumstance, including self-heating hand warmers and blankets to keep you warm. If you must walk through the snow or set up flares, keep a pair of shoes or boots that have traction in the trunk. If you have children, stow away some toys, books and other items that can be used to entertain them if they are ever stuck in the car with you.

15. If you or someone that you want to help gets stuck and you are unable to move the car, keep cardboard boxes in your car. You will be able to use these for traction by placing them under the wheels.

Have a safe and healthy winter!