Driving in snowy, icy conditions can be stressful and dangerous. This winter, avoid driving when you don’t need to; however, if you have to get somewhere, take the following precautions to keep your vehicle in good shape and ensure you get where you are going safely.
- If you warm up your car before leaving, don’t leave it in an enclosed area, like your garage.
- Make sure your tires have good tread and are inflated to the desired amount.
- Always have at least half a tank of gas to prevent the lines from freezing.
- Don’t drive if you are fatigued. Exhaustion can reduce concentration and reaction time.
- Pay extra attention when driving in poor conditions. Don’t take your eyes off the road; you never know what hazards could appear suddenly.
- Drive slowly to keep control of the vehicle. Accelerating, stopping and turning all take more time when driving on snow or ice.
- Leave about eight to 10 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you room if you need to stop abruptly.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery roads.
- Wear your seat belt at all times, even if you are just driving a couple blocks.
- Keep an emergency kit in your trunk at all times.
