Extreme winter weather can mean dangerous automobile travel. The risk associated with driving in winter weather can decrease if you are aware of proper safety rules and techniques to follow when driving in ice or snow.
(1) Always avoid driving when you are fatigued, have been drinking, are disoriented, on medication, or in an emotional state.
(2) Use appropriate accessories and tires on your car. Refer to your owner’s manual to see what tires or chains are suitable for your automobile.
(3) When warming up your vehicle, never do it in a garage or enclosed area.
(4) Check your tires on a regular basis and maintain a minimum of a quarter tank of gas. This prevents the gas lines from freezing in extreme temperatures.
(5) Never use cruise control when it is raining, snowing or there is ice on the road.
When driving in the snow:
(1) Try not to make quick moves. Accelerate and brake slowly and never accelerate or brake when in a turn.
(2) Maintain a slow and predictable speed. Give yourself ample braking and stopping distance.
(3) The four-second rule is increased to eight-seconds in rain or snow.
(4) Avoid stopping on a hill and avoid powering up a hill. Try to get enough inertia before getting to the hill. When over a hill, reduce your speed and go down slowly, with as little brakes as possible.
(5) If you do not need to go out, don’t. Keep enough supplies in your home to prevent having to leave on bad weather days.