Safe Driving During Snow Season

Date: 5 DEC 2016posted by Car Rentaledited by WinX

As the snow season approaches, the rise in fender benders also rises. The best way to avoid an accident is to be prepared yourself. The worst thing you can do is go out and drive unprepared and go about your daily routine as if it was normal. You need to practice basic driving winter skills and build extra time in your daily schedule. Here are a list of tips and simple rules that are encouraged for driving during the snow season.

• 1. Plan extra time in your schedule. Leave for work earlier, and expect delays. One of the major causes of accidents in general is speeding caused by people rushing from one place to another. Generally speaking, some drivers will rush and drive a little faster when they know they are going to be late for an appointment or for work which may lead to carelessness and cause an accident. Driving in non ideal conditions will require more time plus traffic may be backed up. Plan to leave earlier to avoid the need to rush.
• 2. Safety first, always wear a seat belt. Well first off, it is the law. But lots of people use the excuse they are wearing a hefty jacket due to the cold to not wear a seat belt. No, always wear a seat belt, it is arguably the most dangerous season to be driving and you want to not wear a seat belt?
• 3. Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. Adjust your driving in winter conditions with slow acceleration, slower speeds, slower steering and slower braking. Snow and ice covered roads greatly decreases a vehicle's ability to slow and stop safely.
• 4. Leave plenty of room to brake. Increase the distance you would normally brake to stop. This will give you more room to stop and prevent rear ending the car in front of you or end up in the middle of an intersection.
• 5. Use you headlights. Turn them on even during the day, use it during poor weather and reduce visibility. This will help other drivers and pedestrians to see you and help you see ahead.
• 6. Prevent a skid. Should you find yourself in a situation where you drive on black ice and start to skid, ease off the accelerator and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. DO NOT BRAKE - this will make your situation even worse. You may need to repeat this manoeuvre several times until you regain control.
• 7. During hard snow fall and terrible driving conditions, avoid driving if possible. If you do need to make the trip, check the forecast and road conditions for your route. Make sure someone knows where you are going and what route you will be travelling. If possible, consider public transit as an option.
• 8. Ensure you vehicle is in optimal driving condition and prepare an emergency kit. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, check the condition of your windshield wiper blades and replace them before they're worn out. Fill up on wiper fluid and carry extra fluid in your vehicle. Ensure your emergency kit has a flash light, extra batteries, jumper cables, tow chain or rope, traction devices, flares or reflectors, blankets and extra winter clothing.

I hope this list will help you during the winter season.