The worst thing about snow is having to drive in it. This year we have been very lucky and have had only a small amount of snow, but that is not typical. I live in the Syracuse NY area, which has the highest average snowfall of any city of over 50,000 people. Last year we had 179 inches of snow, so I have had way too much experience driving in snow, and here are some tips I have for safe winter driving.
- Stay home. If it is snowing badly there is no point in going out unless you absolutely have to. We get feet of snow here every winter, and the plows do a good job of keeping traffic moving. But if it is falling too fast the snow plows simply can’t keep up. And if the snow plows can’t keep up you shouldn’t be out driving around.
- Slow down. Even if your car is an SUV with four wheel drive you can still get stuck or slide on ice. Sometimes the drivers with four wheel drive vehicles are overconfident, and think they have nothing to worry about, which just is not true. Even if you aren’t slipping on the road, visibility is lower, so you should be driving more slowly.
- Keep a light touch on the brakes and steering. Jerking the car or sudden braking is liable to send you into a skid.
- Remember that parking lots and side roads are going to be much worse than main roads, and be extra careful. When I get stuck it is almost always in a parking lot or driveway.
- Check your tires before the season starts. If you need snow tires buy them, they will last for a few winters and are worth the money. Also having your tires inflated to the proper setting is important.
- Make sure your car is ready for snow. Make sure your wipers work, and that you have the window washer fluid filled up. It is also a good idea to keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze up.
- Be prepared to get stuck. You should have an ice scraper, snow brush, warm coat, gloves, boots and a hat in the car. A flash light, cell phone and emergency road assistance number are also good to have. Other items that can be useful are a blanket, cat litter (for traction), and a tow chain.
Last year was the first time in about 5 years I have not gotten my car stuck and had to get towed out. And that doesn’t even really count, because the only reason I didn’t get stuck last year was because I made my husband take over the driving the one time the weather was really bad, and he got stuck almost as soon as he started driving. So when you drive in the winter be careful, and don’t be over confident!
Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
