Winter Driving Safety Steps

If you live anywhere in the United States where the cold can put a damper on your driving, then these steps for easier, safer, driving during winter are for you and your family.

1. Before getting in your car, make sure that your windows are frost free, and your car is completely warmed up. Be sure all your tires are in good condition, and all fluids that need to be filled are full.

2. Be sure to stay an extra 50 feet away from the cars in front of you. Give yourself that extra space just in case you have to stop short or sooner than you think. This gives you and the car in front of you a better chance of not calling the insurance company.

3. If you are driving a car that is a stick shift, always keep it in a lower gear especially when you are climbing hills. Driving in a lower speed allows more traction as well as more control.

4. When driving in winter conditions always keep your lights on for maximum visibility for yourself as well as other motorists. See and be seen!

5. In winter conditions, never put the cruise control on. When the cruise control is on, this allows power to continue keeping your wheels spinning. In the event you hit a patch of ice or any other winter conditions, keeping the cruise control off allows the driver to maintain control in any situation.

6. Always look for hidden dangers when driving during winter. These dangers include, black ice, shaded areas, intersections as well as bridge and overpasses. Pay attention to all of the dangers.

7. Before going anywhere, be sure to have the necessary items in your car. Spare tire, jack, fix a flat, ice scraper, tow rope, flares, jumper cables, blankets, drinking water, cell phone, kitty litter ( just in case you get stuck and need some traction) , extra clothes just in case conditions become un-stable and you must stop for awhile, and last, pack a small box of high protein snacks and food.

8. Try and stay on the main roads during winter season. Taking short cuts can cut down on driving time, however less busy roads can be more harmful than good. You do not want to break down on a low traveled road.

9. Try and stay home when road conditions are at there worse. If you do not need to go anywhere, then stay put and wait until conditions are more favorable for you or anyone else in your family to drive.

10. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, ice is a major factor on many roads. When this happens never slam on the brakes when trying to stop. Always ease up on the brakes slowly. If you feel that your wheels are starting to lock up, ease off the brake immediately.

11. Always tell someone where you are going and how long your going to be, just in case something happens while in route.

12. Try and plan your route before you go any long distances. .Be prepared. Have a list of stops where you can rest and check your car for any malfunctions.

13. One trick I have learned is to always, and I mean always use Rainex on your windows when driving in winter conditions. This allows rain to roll of your windows so your visibility is not compromised. You can also use Rainex for ice which help with ice not building up on your windshield during the night.

14. Although slow is sometimes good in many different scenarios, during the winter, going slower than usual can cause accidents rather than preventing them. Five miles slower than the normal speed limit is acceptable, anything under that is dangerous.

15. Last but not least, before going anywhere during winter, always listen to either the weather channel, the news, or the radio to get up to date with traffic conditions in your area, or in the area that you will be traveling to.

Please take driving in the winter serious. Although it is a beautiful sight to see most of the time, seeing car accidents are not. Be careful, stay aware, and always wear your seatbelt.