Driving on snow and ice requires quick reflexes, patience, and a little know-how.
If you can’t avoid driving in wintry conditions, ensure you and your vehicle are both ready for the challenge. Also, if the opportunity presents itself, consider following snowplows and ice/sand trucks rather than leading the way.
Do you Have the Right Tires?
Worn tires are hazardous on slippery roads. Consider winter tires even if they aren’t required by law in your province. According to Edmunds, winter tires are specially designed to stay pliable and grippy at lower temperatures but need to be replaced sooner than standard tires: They “have lost almost all of their capability” when they are down to a tread depth of 6/32-inch.
Safety Tips for Driving on Snow and Ice
Here are 15 winter driving tips to keep in mind:
- Before starting off, take a few minutes to fully clear your car of ice and snow. Not only will you have better visibility, but it’s also the law in some places – motorists have been seriously hurt and even killed in accidents caused by chunks of ice and snow flying off other vehicles at high speeds.
- Drive slowly and leave yourself enough room to safely stop. Increase your following distance to 6-8 seconds. Also, don’t try to beat out yellow lights.
- Use low gears, especially on hills, to maintain traction.
- Don’t use overdrive or cruise control on icy roads.
- Don’t pass snowplows or sand trucks. Take extra care when passing other vehicles on wintry roads.
- Keep your windshield clean, and make sure your windshield washer system has ample anti-icing fluid. Before starting your trip, ensure the fluid jets aren’t blocked and that your wipers aren’t frozen to the windshield.
- Defog the inside of your windows by running your air conditioner. You should choose the fresh-air option rather than recirculated air.
- Even during daylight hours, drive with your lights on to increase visibility and help others see you. Make sure your headlights and taillights are clean and clear of snow.
- Brake carefully to prevent skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, gently ease off the brakes rather than slamming down on them.
- Watch out for black ice—a thin, slippery glaze that can make the road appear merely wet or even totally clear and dry, depending on the light.
- Stay in your lane, especially when visibility is poor.
- Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps, shady spots, and infrequently traveled roads, which tend to freeze first (refer to the black ice warning above).
- Train yourself to respond correctly to skids: If you begin to slide, turn in your rear wheels’ direction. If the back end of your vehicle is sliding to the right, turn your steering wheel to the right. Don’t overcompensate or attempt sudden swerves.
- Keep your gas tank topped up in the wintertime to reduce the amount of water vapor that could condense and sink into your fuel pump and lines. This can block fuel flow to the engine.
- Don’t get overconfident. Even if you drive a lot in poor conditions and have a car with 4-wheel drive and snow tires, accidents can still happen. Safe winter drivers must remain alert at all times.
The Right Insurance to Protect You and your Vehicle
As the weather gets colder, driving conditions become difficult. Following these tips will help you stay safe while you’re driving on ice and snow. Before you venture out in adverse weather, know the steps you can take to help make sure you arrive at your destination safely. Also, make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Talk to us about your current coverage and discuss any recommended changes to help protect your vehicle and wallet from winter hazards.
Expert Advice from Wedgwood Insurance
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