Driving in winter can be dangerous as the roads are often icy and difficult to see. As the weather gets colder and the snow starts to fall, you and your car need to be prepared to drive safely on winter roads. In this article, you will find important tips to help you stay safe on the road in the winter and prevent accidents.
1. Prepare Your Car:
Prepare Your Car for the Winter: Before winter sets in, take your car to a trusted mechanic for a winter maintenance inspection. As part of this, you should check the heater, brakes, defroster, battery and antifreeze levels. Make sure your car uses winter engine oil and the correct antifreeze combination to prevent freezing.
Tyres: As for tyres, winter tyres are highly recommended, as they grip ice and snow better than all-season tyres. In cold weather, tyre pressure tends to drop, so check it regularly.
Car Lights and Wipers: Make sure all car lights are working properly to improve your visibility. Repair burnt out bulbs and clean lenses. Using cold weather cleaning fluid and winter wiper blades can help you see better through your windscreen.
2. Change the Way You Drive:
Slow Down: One of the best ways to reduce the risk of an accident in the winter is to drive more slowly. When the roads are slippery, it takes longer for your car to stop, so slowing down gives you more time to react.
Increase Following Distance: Keep a greater distance than normal from the vehicle in front. This gives you more time to stop without hitting anything.
Do Not Move Quickly or Suddenly: Starting, stopping or turning quickly can cause your car to lose traction, causing it to skid. Moving slowly is safer and helps you maintain control.
3. Learn How to Use a Skateboard:
Know Your Brakes: Knowing whether your brakes have anti-lock brakes (ABS) will help you know how to use them in an emergency. If your car has ABS, press the stop pedal firmly. If you do not have ABS, you must brake slowly to avoid blocking.
Caught in a Skid: If your rear wheel starts to slip, you should steer in the direction of the skid. If the rear wheels move to the left, go left. If they want to go right, go right. If the front wheels start to slip, slow down. Once they are back on track, gently turn in the direction you want to go.
4. Make Plans Ahead:
Plan Your Route: Check weather news and traffic reports before you go. Stay off roads that are known to be dangerous when it rains. If you’re travelling in the winter, give yourself some extra time.
Accident Kit: Keep a winter accident kit in your car. This includes items such as drinks and snacks, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a snow shovel and a window scraper.
5. During the Drive:
Use Headlights: Even during the day, turning on your headlights can help other drivers see your car better.
Watch Out for Ice: Be extremely careful on bridges, overpasses and roads that are not used frequently, as they may freeze first. Even if you can’t see it, the ice is probably there.
Know Your Car’s Limits: Every car drives differently, and you really see that in the winter. In ice and snow, you need to know what your car can and cannot do.
6. When You Can’t Move:
Stay in Your Car: If you get stuck in the snow, always stay in your car. It provides you with a temporary place to stay and helps rescuers find you.
Don’t Work Too Hard: When you dig your car, take frequent breaks to avoid working too hard. It’s hard on your heart when it’s cold outside, for example, when you’re shovelling snow or pushing a cart.
Conclusion:
When driving in winter, you need to be extra careful. Preparing for the season, adapting your driving style to the road conditions and ensuring you have all the necessary equipment will significantly reduce your risk of an accident. Remember that, as a driver, sometimes it is best to stay off the road in bad weather. If you have to go somewhere, these tips will help you get there safely in winter.
Following these important winter driving tips can help you drive more safely during the cold, difficult months. Safety should always come before speed, and remember: being prepared is the best way to handle winter road conditions.
FAQs:
1. Why use winter tyres?
The purpose of winter tyres is to improve road holding, driving behavior and braking performance in cold, snowy or icy weather. The tread rubber remains flexible in cold weather, preventing snow from accumulating and making it easier to walk in wet areas.
2. How often should I check the pressure of my winter tyres?
During the winter, you should check your tyre pressure at least once a month. When it is cold, tyre pressure drops, making your car unstable and wearing out faster.
3. What should I put in my winter survival kit?
A well-stocked winter emergency kit consists of blankets, gloves, a hat, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a snow shovel, an ice scraper, water, non-perishable snacks and all the medicine you need.
4. What is the safest way to park on a slippery road?
If your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), you will need to press the brake pedal firmly and hold it there for a few seconds so that the system can adjust the pressure. If your car does not have ABS, you should brake slowly to prevent the car from locking up, which could cause the car to skid.
5. Is it safer to crash into a group of other cars on a snowy day?
Driving on already compacted snow can be easier than on fresh snow. But be careful, as compacted snow can become cold and slippery, especially as it melts and freezes. Always vary your speed depending on road conditions to maintain control.
