Winter Driving Tips

Given the recent snowfall here in Michigan, I figured this would be a good time to share some winter driving safety tactics, as old man winter is sure to be back soon. Winter driving can be tricky, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. And there’s no need to freak out every time there’s a snowfall, especially if you live in a place that gets it every year. Follow these tips, and you can better ensure that you and those around you get from point A to point B safely this winter.

     1.    Keep your tires properly inflated.

Just as in the summertime, keeping your tires properly inflated in the winter gives you more stability and improves your fuel economy. Similarly, do not mix the brand of tires on your car. If you have Goodyear winter tires in front, you should have the same in back.

     2.     Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surfaces.

I admit, I’ve done this one before myself. But it is very important to heed this tip. Using cruise control can make you feel more lax and less alert while driving, reducing your response time. That is something you will certainly need when conditions call for using greater caution.

     3.     Check the weather before going on extended excursions.

This really goes for around town ventures or for road trips. Knowing the weather in advance not only allows you to better plan out stops and routes while you’re out, but it allows you to remain safe wherever you travel, since you can potentially avoid areas where there may be more dangerous conditions.

    4.     Know your vehicle well, and allow more distance between you and other vehicles to stop.

You drive your car every day, which gives you plenty of time to learn its capabilities and limitations, just like you would learn your own strengths and weaknesses. Understand how long it takes for your vehicle to brake and accelerate under various conditions, and also keep a check on the services you have performed on your car, such as fluid checks, and what other work may need to be done on your car. Instead of a following distance of two to three cars, you should double or triple that distance as the weather gets worse. Again, this will keep you, your passengers, and others safer.

     5.     Remember: Ice and snow, TAKE IT SLOW!

I’m taking this one from my mother, given that she worked for MDOT for years and used this slogan for many winter campaigns. If you simply SLOW DOWN and take the appropriate time to get to your destination, you will find that you will not only get there safely, but you will be more relaxed once you arrive as well.

If you’re curious about other ways that’ll help you stay safe while driving in the snow, click the link below to redirect to a AAA Insurance website that has even more useful winter driving tips: http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.VlfHnvmrShc

Winter is not everyone’s favorite season, but there’s a lot of fun to be had during this time of year. Just remember this fun should not come at the expense of safety. Follow these winter driving tips, and go enjoy your winter excursions in style and safety. ROLL ON!

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