So far, New England has been lucky in that there have not been any massive snowstorms just yet. However, we all know they are right around the corner. While we prepare for our first big snowstorm in the coming weeks or months, it is important to make sure that we are also prepared for the driving conditions and aware of how to drive as safe as possible during the winter months.
Driving during the winter can be daunting, especially for new drivers. It is extremely key that all drivers, whether you are new or have been driving for years, are always alert and completely focused when on the road.
We have pulled together some of the key tips that you should keep in mind to drive as safe as possible during the winter. Check them out here:
Clear snow and ice from your car.
First thing is first: always make sure that you are thoroughly clearing off snow and ice from your car before you operate the vehicle. This is important so that you are not risking any snow or ice falling down onto your windshield and blocking your view while you are driving.
If snow or ice falls, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but also others on the road. Make sure that your car is totally clear and that you are able to see clearly out of your windshield and mirrors before getting on the road.
Travel during daylight hours.
If possible, especially if you know there is a storm ahead, try to get most of your errands done during the daylight hours so that you can avoid driving at night.
During winter storms, the nights can be a little trickier to navigate, especially since the temperature cools down and there is more likeliness for black ice, which can make for a dangerous trip.
Stay on main roads.
During the winter, main roads are generally sanded on a regular basis, and not only that, but they are driven on far more, so you can almost guarantee that they will be less slippery than back roads.
Even if you are finding that there is some traffic on the main roads, it is most definitely the safer option, so try your best to stay on them as much as possible.
Avoid driving in height of the storm.
When a winter storm is ahead, you will be able to track when the height of the storm will be, therefore you will know when the roads are likely to be the worst.
Do your best to make sure that you do not need to get out on the roads during this time, as it will likely be very hard to see, slippery, and generally unsafe!
Consider public transportation.
If you live in a city and need to get somewhere during a storm, consider using public transportation, such as a train or a subway. Before deciding to use the public transportation, make sure that they are up and running, as the schedules may vary depending on the severity of the storm.
Brake early.
When you are on the road, remember to brake as early as possible and to brake correctly. In adverse conditions, it can take a little more time and distance to brake properly than it normally would, especially if the roads are extremely slippery.
Make sure that you are also driving about a car length or more behind the car in front of you – in case they brake last minute, you want to make sure you have enough buffer to safely stop.
Drive slow.
When driving in the snow, it is always smart to drive slowly. Many of us are used to being in a rush and wanting to get to our destination as fast as possible, but it is always best to play it safe and drive at a slow pace, even slower than you normally would, to avoid any accidents.