Safety Tips for Winter Driving in Illinois

Illinois is a good state to use as a reference for winter driving tips. It has all the elements and characteristics experienced on the highways and byways of any state or region.

There are vehicles on the roads with various drive-line features such as four-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and front wheel drive. While some of the information presented here is common to all makes and models of cars and trucks, for the purpose of this article, we will consider front wheel drive only, as the perceived majority of passenger vehicles sold in today's marketplace are of this type.

The following are tips for winter driving in Illinois:

Tip # 1 - Plan ahead

Before getting out on the highways in the winter, it's a good idea to check your local weather forecast and/or the weather in the region in which you plan to travel. If a storm is noted, reconsider staying home if at all possible. If you must travel, then a little caution will go a long way in getting you there and back safely.

Tip # 2 - Take along some supplies

When driving in the cold, snowy days and nights of winter, having some warm articles of clothing, a sleeping bag, some protein bars or like item and some water is a good idea. Also remember to keep a good snowbrush and ice scraper in the car. If you have a cell phone, that is also a useful tool should you find yourself stuck in snow or otherwise in harm's way. Most of these items can easily fit into one tote bag or duffle that can be managed with relative ease.

Tip # 3 - Keep your car's fluid levels full

Not only is it a good idea to keep the gas tank full, but make certain other fluids have been checked as well. Power steering fluid, engine coolant (be sure anti-freeze is at proper specifications), transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Having an extra bottle of washer fluid in the trunk is also a good idea.

Tip # 4 - Getting out into it

Front-wheel drive vehicles are very good performers on wet and snowy roads. Their action of "pulling" the car has some distinct advantages over a rear-wheel drive which has a "pushing" action. Along with this feature comes some handling characteristics also. There may be times when your front-wheel drive breaks traction during a turn. Letting your foot off the accelerator will bring back the traction if you allow it to do so. DO NOT panic when this occurs and lock your brakes. If you do, you could continue to slide in the direction of the energy and perhaps cause an accident bringing harm to yourself and others. As mentioned, simply let your foot off the accelerator and traction will be restored almost immediately.

Tip # 5 - Interstate highway and divided highway driving

Illinois is served by several interstate systems and many national and state highways. When using these roads in your travels during winter driving conditions, it's important to adapt to the situation with good judgment and caution. Merging with the traffic flow and lane changing are two of the most important facets you have to deal with. When merging, use caution on the curvy cloverleaf ramps. When you reach the straight, be sure to use your mirrors and also look over your shoulder if it safe to do so. Bring your vehicle as near the speed of the flowing traffic as possible and join the cars in the outer lane. Stay in the outer lane until you wish to pass another vehicle. When changing lanes, give yourself plenty of extra distance to do so. DO NOT change lanes with any swift or abrupt movements of the steering wheel as this action can cause your vehicle to go into a spin.

Tip # 6 - Stay with the traffic

When driving in Illinois in the winter time, it's always wise to keep your speed 5-10 mph according to road conditions and traffic flow. Not all vehicles are the same in terms of handling, so if a giant 4-wheeler goes roaring by you, don't think of keeping up with it. You don't want to impede traffic, but you do want to get where you're going and back home again safely.

Tip # 7 - Use common sense

Consider these tips closely. Think of some more of your own and pass them on to friends and loved ones. Everyone has a vested interest in safety , while winter driving in Illinois.