Winter Driving: How to Drive in Snow and Ice

Winter is upon us, and if you haven't seen any yet, chances are you'll see some snow, and maybe even some ice in your future forecast. Statistically, there are more car accidents in the winter months than in the summer months because winter weather is a little bit trickier to drive in. Heavy snows can make low visibility and ice fall can make for slippery commutes. Black ice is especially dangerous as it is patches of ice that driver's can't see. It is best to be prepared now for driving in the snow and ice that you may encounter this winter. This includes preventive measures as well as what to do in case of a winter weather emergency.

Basic Things To Have In Your Car This Winter:

01. Ice Scraper - An ice scraper is important to keep on hand in the winter months. When there is frost on your windows, it helps to start up your car early to warm it up and defrost it. But if there is still some frost on your windows when you are ready to leave, the ice scraper can remove all remaining ice from your windows and mirrors to keep them clear.

02. Kitty Litter, Sand, or Salt - It is good to keep these things in your car when there's a chance that you may be driving in the ice or snow because they can help give your car traction if you happen to get stuck.

03. Blankets/Sleeping Bags and Ski Caps/Gloves - In the chance that you get stuck in a remote area, it's good to have a blanket or sleeping bag t keep yourself warm, as well as a warm knit hat and gloves.

04. Tow/Tire Chains, Flashlight, Matches/Lighter, Candles, First Aid Kit - If your regular commute is in a more remote area that may not get plowed as quickly or as well, and if there is less passersby to help you when you are in need, these things are good to have in preparation.

General Tips For Driving On Snow And Ice:

01. Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. When the roads are slick with snow and ice, it isn't as easy to stop as it is on dry roads. So make sure that there's plenty of room. Even if you're driving safely, there's a chance that they could slide and you'll need to stop to keep from hitting them.

02. Drive slow and give yourself plenty of time. Driving at a slow but steady pace will keep you the safest on snow and ice this winter. The faster you drive, the more chance you have of sliding off into the ditch or your car spinning out of control.

03. If you don't have Antilock Breaks, tap your breaks to stop. Putting a steady firm pressure on your breaks, if you have Antilock breaks will do just as you intend and stop your car safely. However, if you do not have Antilock Breaks, putting steady and firm pressure on them will send you sliding off the road, or into the cars around you. Instead, gently tap your breaks, putting a moment of pressure on them and then letting off, repeating this until you have stopped.

04. Don't use cruise control. It doesn't matter how slow you're driving, cruise control should not be used when driving on snow or ice in the winter. If you hit a slick spot, you want to take your foot off the gas, and if you have your car on cruise control, you are going to lose control of your car.

What To Do If You Start To Slide Or Get Stuck:

01. If you slide, turn the wheel in the direction you're sliding. If your car happens to start sliding on the ice, immediately let off the gas, and don't try to steer it away from where it's going. Turn your wheel in the direction that you are sliding. This will give you more control to correct it. Also, don't over correct yourself, as this can be more damaging.

02. If you get stuck in the snow, don't keep hitting the gas. Let your foot off of the gas and turn your wheel back and forth a few times. This will break up some of the snow encasing your tires, and then slowly press on the gas to get yourself out of it. Also, rocking the rocking technique can be helpful. Put your car in reverse and put a little pressure on the gas so you go backwards a little and then let off. As you continue doing this, your car will dislodge itself from the snow and pull itself out.

Winter weather can be very dangerous, but a big part of driving in snow and ice is instinct and common sense. If you absolutely must drive in this kind of bad weather, just make sure that you give yourself extra time to get to where you need to go, drive slow, and give yourself plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Also, keep in mind that even if the road looks just wet, you could easily hit a patch of black ice and lose control of your car. It's important to stay calm in situations such as these and follow these simple steps. And if it happens and you can't get unstuck, call for help or flag someone down.