Driving in winter weather presents unique challenges, and navigating snowy roads requires extra caution and preparation. Even a light dusting of snow can significantly reduce traction and visibility, turning a routine commute into a potentially hazardous situation. To ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road, understanding how to drive safely on snow is paramount. Local authorities often advise staying off the roads during and immediately after winter storms. Keeping roads clear allows emergency responders and roadside assistance professionals to operate efficiently. However, if Driving On The Snow is unavoidable, preparation and cautious driving techniques are your best defenses.
To confidently handle driving on the snow, consider these essential guidelines.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Snow Driving
Before winter weather even arrives, ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle snowy conditions. A proactive approach to vehicle maintenance can significantly improve safety when driving on the snow.
- Vehicle Inspection: Schedule a comprehensive inspection at a certified auto repair facility, like a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop. Focus on critical components such as your battery, tires, brakes, fluids, and wiper blades. Winter puts extra strain on these systems, and ensuring they are in top condition is crucial for safe driving on the snow.
- Tires Matter: Your tires are your primary point of contact with the road. For driving on the snow, consider winter tires. These tires are designed with specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds that provide superior grip in cold temperatures and on snow and ice. If winter tires aren’t feasible, ensure your all-season tires have adequate tread depth. Bald or worn tires dramatically reduce traction, especially when driving on the snow.
- Fluid Checks: Winterize your vehicle by checking and topping off essential fluids. Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing. Ensure your engine coolant has the proper antifreeze concentration to withstand freezing temperatures.
Essential Checks Before Driving in Snow
Before heading out when driving on the snow is a possibility, always check several key factors to minimize risks.
Check the Weather Forecast
Always check the weather forecast before you drive, not just at your starting point but also along your entire route and at your destination. Weather conditions can change rapidly in winter. If severe weather, like heavy snowfall or ice storms, is predicted at any point during your journey, strongly consider delaying your trip. Driving on the snow should be avoided if possible during the worst conditions.
Plan Your Route
Familiarize yourself with your route and consider alternative paths in case of road closures or hazardous conditions. Inform someone of your route, destination, and estimated arrival time. This is especially important when driving on the snow in less populated areas where assistance might be delayed.
Stay Connected
Ensure your cell phone is fully charged before you depart. Carry a car charger to maintain battery life during your trip. Communication can be vital if you encounter problems while driving on the snow.
Safe Driving Techniques on Snowy Roads
Adapting your driving technique is crucial for safe driving on the snow. Aggressive driving maneuvers that are acceptable on dry pavement can be disastrous when driving on the snow or ice.
Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance
The most important adjustment when driving on the snow is to slow down significantly. Reduce your speed and drive well below the posted speed limit. Increased stopping distances are a major factor when driving on the snow. Increase your following distance to at least 8-10 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This provides ample time to react if the car ahead of you brakes suddenly or loses control.
Gentle Braking and Acceleration
Avoid sudden braking or acceleration when driving on the snow. These actions can easily cause your vehicle to lose traction and skid. Accelerate gently and gradually. When braking, apply smooth, steady pressure to the brake pedal. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), allow the system to work – do not pump the brakes. If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Be Aware of Black Ice
Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that is particularly dangerous because it is virtually invisible. It often forms on bridges, overpasses, and in shaded areas. Be extra cautious in these locations when driving on the snow, as black ice can cause a sudden loss of control.
The Importance of “Slow Down, Move Over”
When you see emergency vehicles, tow trucks, roadside assistance providers, or stranded vehicles on the side of the road, remember to “Slow Down, Move Over.” This law exists to protect those working or stranded on the roadside. Winter conditions make roads even more hazardous, and giving them space is crucial for everyone’s safety when driving on the snow or in any winter conditions.
What to Do if You Get Stranded in the Snow
Despite careful preparation, getting stranded is a possibility when driving on the snow during severe winter weather. Knowing how to respond can be life-saving.
Stay with Your Vehicle – Your Shelter in a Storm
Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and is easier for rescuers to spot than a person walking in the snow. Stay inside your vehicle unless you can see a safe and obvious place of refuge very close by. Do not attempt to walk long distances in a winter storm.
Conserve Energy – Avoid Overexertion
Do not overexert yourself trying to push your car out of the snow. Strenuous activity in cold weather can lead to exhaustion and increase the risk of hypothermia. Save your energy and stay inside your vehicle.
Signal for Help – Visibility is Key
Make your vehicle visible to rescuers. Tie a brightly colored cloth (red or orange is best) to your antenna or door handle. If you don’t have a cloth, use anything brightly colored that can be seen against the snow. At night, turn on your dome light if possible. It uses very little battery power and will make your car easier to locate. Reflective triangles from your emergency kit can also be placed a safe distance from your vehicle to warn approaching drivers, if visibility allows and it is safe to exit the vehicle briefly.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Ensure your exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, ice, or mud. A blocked exhaust can cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the vehicle when the engine is running. Periodically check the exhaust pipe and clear away any obstructions.
Stay Warm – Insulate Against the Cold
Use anything available to insulate yourself from the cold. If you have an emergency kit with blankets and extra clothing, use them. If not, use floor mats, seat covers, or newspapers to insulate your body from the cold car interior.
Use Engine and Heater Wisely
Run the engine and heater sparingly to conserve fuel. Only run the engine long enough to warm the car and then turn it off. Make sure to check for exhaust pipe blockage each time before you run the engine. Shivering helps keep you warm, so don’t overheat the car.
Build a Winter Emergency Kit for Snow Driving
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential for all driving, but it’s especially critical when driving on the snow and during winter. Keep this kit in your vehicle throughout the winter months.
Communication and Power
- Cell phone car charger: To keep your phone powered for communication.
- Flashlight with extra batteries: For signaling and visibility at night.
Visibility and Signaling
- Reflective or warning triangles: To alert other drivers to your stranded vehicle.
- Brightly colored cloth: To signal distress.
First Aid and Sustenance
- First-aid kit: For treating minor injuries.
- Drinking water and non-perishable food: Such as energy bars, granola, or canned goods (and a manual can opener) for sustenance if you are stranded for an extended period. Remember food for pets if you are traveling with them.
Traction and Vehicle Tools
- Traction aids: Sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, or traction mats to help regain traction if your wheels are spinning in the snow or ice.
- Ice scraper or snow brush and shovel: To clear snow and ice from your vehicle for visibility and to dig yourself out if necessary.
Warmth and Protection
- Gloves, extra coats or sweatshirts, hats, and blankets: To stay warm in case of a breakdown. Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate.
AAA’s Commitment to Roadside Assistance in Winter
During major winter storms, AAA experiences a significant increase in calls for roadside assistance. The combination of high call volume and dangerous conditions can lead to longer response times, particularly in areas that are difficult to access due to snow and ice. AAA prioritizes the safety of its members and focuses on assisting those in the most dangerous situations first. While AAA roadside technicians and tow providers work diligently to reach stranded motorists, remember that your safety is also in your hands through preparation and cautious driving when driving on the snow.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance your safety and preparedness when driving on the snow. Remember, the best approach to driving on the snow is caution, preparation, and knowing how to react in challenging situations. Stay safe this winter season.
