The most simple tip is to not drive if you don’t have to. Most of the time a coating to a few inches of snow isn’t bad, but if the forecast is calling for an amount of snow that is too dangerous to drive in, then don’t.
According to AAA, snow-covered roads and roads coated with ice, slush, or water cause nearly 500,000 vehicle crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths yearly.
Slow down and give yourself plenty of following distance between you and the vehicles in front of you. It’s also a good idea to have a space cushion on the sides of you as well. Bridges and overpasses freeze first.
Do not use cruise control when driving in snow, ice or slush. You could hit an unexpected patch of black ice of unplowerd snow.
Be sure to remove snow and ice from your vehicle. It’s the law!
- Install winter tires
- Make sure your headlights are working properly and drive with them on
- Replace windshield wiper blades
- Fill up windshield wiper fluid and keep an extra gallon in the vehicle
- Check tire pressure and tire tread to avoid blowouts
- Keep the gas tank at least half-full at all times to avoid freezing fuel lines
- Keep your vehicle washed to avoid salt corrosion
Always wear your seat belt and remember if you don’t need to drive or feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable, don’t drive.