Tips for Winter Driving

Safey Tips for Winter Driving

This article was contributed by The Trotwood Chamber of Commerce

The potential for bad weather this time of year brings with it an increased threat of vehicle accidents. This is the most dangerous time of the year. Inclement weather is a major factor in many of the serious accidents that occur each year.

It is important to be alert at all times when driving, but it is even more important during this time of the year. The days are shorter reducing the amount of sunlight. There is an increase in the amount of rain. Snow storms can come up suddenly and cold weather can cause icy conditions. The possibility of fog and sun glare also increases, making driving much more difficult and dangerous. We have little control over the weather, but we can adjust the way we drive, be alert and apply good driving sense.

The following is a list of safe driving tips that we can follow. Read through each area carefully and incorporate these into your winter driving behavior:

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY

 Be Alert and focused

 Be prepared for possible hazards like potholes and animals

 Obey all traffic laws

 Error on the side of caution

 Anticipate the action of other drivers and pedestrians

 Always be alert at stop signs and traffic lights

 Stay informed on the weather conditions

 Maintain a wide distance behind the vehicle in front of you

 Avoid distractions

 Never drive if suffering from a lack of sleep

 Keep the windows cracked to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle

 Leave yourself a way out at all times

 Keep your vehicle in good repair at all times

 Do not drive while impaired in any way

 Eliminate distractions as much as possible

USE COMMON SENSE

 Adjust your time schedule for bad weather

 Slow down

 Anticipate increased stopping distance on cold, icy, snow covered and wet roads

 Pump the brakes if a sudden stop is required

 Remember the bridges and shaded areas will maintain ice and frost longer and also freeze quicker

 Use your low headlight beams when driving in snow to reduce the amount of reflected light

 Keep the inside windows clean and free of fog

 Try to avoid skids, however, if you do skid remember to:

 Take your foot off of the accelerator

 Do not apply the brakes

 Keep the wheels turned in the direction of the skid

 Straighten your wheels slowly as you come out of the skid

 Gently slow down

 Inspect your vehicle regularly

 Make sure the tires are in good condition with adequate tread

 Use headlights in inclement weather in the daytime

 Check battery on a periodic basis

 If necessary pull over in severe weather conditions until the weather conditions improve

BE READY FOR ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS

SUB-FREEZING WEATHER

 Wear a complete set of outdoor winter clothing, including good boots and face mask

 Check the vehicle’s heater

 Use freeze resistant wiper blades

 Maintain proper tire pressure

 Get an engine block heater if your vehicle will set outside

 Have a set of good gloves, face mask, hat, ear muffs and wool blanket available

 Have a cellular phone available in case of an emergency

 Have other safety supplies available such as: 

• Warning devices
• Small snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Flashlight
• Booster cables
• Small bag of sand
• Towing chain or cable
• Traction mats
• First Aid kit
• Jack 
• Lug wrench

RAIN

 Always use your windshield wipers

 Coat your windshield with a rain clearing solution

 Slow down especially on curves and keep an extra space between the vehicle in front of you

 Avoid sudden moves and emergency stops if possible

 Be aware of the possibility of hydroplaning in heavy rain

 Drive slowly through puddles with gentle pressure on brakes to keep brake lines from getting wet

SNOW AND ICE

 Always accelerate slowly and smoothly

 Avoid sudden turns that might cause a skid

 Be alert to black ice that forms on bridges and in shaded areas

 Drive on fresh snow where possible if you suspect ice in the tracks left by vehicles before you

 Pay attention to road warning signs

 Drive slowly

 When braking start early, let off accelerator slowly and apply the brakes gently

 Never brake and try to steer at the same time

 When going down a hill gently apply the brakes to maintain a slower more controlled descent

 When climbing a hill keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Do not accelerate on the incline if possible.

SUN GLARE

 Keep the windshield free of dirt and grime

 Use the sun visor

 Have a good pair of sunglasses available to reduce the glare

 Reduce speed

 Try to avoid looking directly into the glare

FOG

 Gradually reduce your speed if you can not see in front of you

 Turn on your low beams

 Turn off the radio and listen carefully. Roll down the windows a crack.

 If necessary use your horn to let drivers know of your presence

 Don’t stop unless absolutely necessary

 Pull over to the side of the road if necessary and turn out lights and turn on flashers

WHAT TO DRIVE

In the past, driving a rear wheel drive vehicle would be a bad idea, but with Electronic Stability Control, rear wheel drive vehicles are much safer. When a tire starts to slide, the other tire moves to stabilize the car. So even the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Challenger and the Dodge Charger can be driven safely in cold and wet weather.

Many Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles are either standard 4-Wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Check out the Durango or the Journey in the Dodge Line-up or the Liberty, Patriot, Compass, or Grand Cherokee in the Jeep Line-up...all solid choices for cold and wet weather travel.

The Ram 1500 was built with Winter in mind. The transmission is equipped with a "Thermal Management System" that allows it to reach efficient operating temperature faster in cold weather than other trucks. Not to mention, Electric Power Steering for superior road handling.

The Dodge Dart is a front wheel drive vehicle and handles well in difficult road conditions.