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Viewing Ten Tips for Driving on Icy or Snowy RoadsTen Tips for Driving on Icy or Snowy Roads
By Kathy Steinemann
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Snow and frost - or rainstorms followed by slightly freezing temperatures - can turn a highway into a skating rink. In addition, there may be invisible areas of 'black ice'. This article discusses a few navigation tips and tricks. Snow and frost - or rainstorms followed by slightly freezing temperatures - can turn a highway into a skating rink. In addition, there may be invisible areas of 'black ice'. This article discusses a few tips and tricks for navigating these often treacherous roads. 1. Ensure Optimal Visibility Never start out in a vehicle until you have cleaned the frost off the windows and brushed away the snow. Make sure you clear the hood, roof, headlights, and rear lights as well. Snow can drift off the hood onto your windshield as you drive, or from the roof onto your back window. Unobscured headlights and tail lights are important for your safety and visibility, as well as the safety of other drivers on the road. 2. Pay Attention to your Tires Before heading out on a trip, carefully check the condition and pressure of your tires. If you are not sure how much air they need, consult your driver's manual. On many cars, the recommended pressure is printed on the driver's-side door post. Properly inflated tires will give you better traction and control. 3. Always Travel with a Full Tank A gas tank that is 3/4-full or more gives your vehicle extra weight and increased traction. You may have to refuel frequently - but the break will allow you to stretch cramped muscles and help prevent road-hypnosis and fatigue on long trips. 4. Adhere to the 10-Second Rule Normally, a safe driving distance on dry roads is considered to be about 2 seconds from the car in front of you. In slippery conditions, you should at least quadruple that distance. Take note of a signpost or object right beside the car in front of you and count slowly: 1001 - 1002 - 1003 - etc. - up to 1010. If you pass the target object before you reach the end of your count, you are travelling too fast. Ease off the accelerator a bit until you are a safe following distance. 5. Brake and Steer Gradually Sudden application of brakes or abrupt steering may force you into a spin. Tap the brakes lightly, pumping gently instead of applying constant pressure. If you have ABS brakes, they will pump automatically. Always apply gentle pressure, not brute force. When passing, be sure that you have more room than usual to get around the vehicle in front. Then, gently edge out into the passing lane and back into your own. 6. Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive? Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles are superior to rear-wheel drive autos. Engine weight over the front wheels on FWD, and independent control on AWD provide a superior driving experience. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, try to pack some heavy sandbags or luggage in your trunk. If possible, ask your heavier passengers to sit in the back seat. 7. Steer Out of a Skid If you feel yourself skidding, remain calm and remove your foot from the accelerator. DO NOT USE YOUR BRAKES. Gently steer in the correct direction once you feel traction returning. 8. Use Low Beams When it is Snowing Low beams actually provide much better visibility in snow or blizzard conditions. They light up the road, rather than bouncing off the snow in the air like high beams. 9. Avoid Speed Changes in a Curve Decelerate BEFORE you enter a curve. If you must change speed within a curve, do so gradually. Sudden speed changes can quickly force your car into a spin. 10. Obey the Speed Limit Remember that posted speed limits are a guideline to be used for travel on bare roads. When road conditions are not optimal, adjust your speed accordingly. If you don't feel like you are in total control of your vehicle, you are driving too quickly. If you are inexperienced, try some advance practice in an icy vacant parking lot. Then enjoy your trip, knowing that you have done your utmost to prepare for the weather conditions. (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: Searching for a bed and breakfast, hotel, or hostel? Visit 111 Travel Directory. Trying to find some great travel tips? Surf over to 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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