How To Drive Cautiously During The Winter Months
It is safe to say that you need to use your car for transportation almost every day
, even during the winter months. However, the constant melting and freezing of snow and ice can make the roads you take to get where you're going treacherous.
Most cities make an honest effort to try and keep the roads free of ice and snow, but on days where the weather is troublesome it is hard for snowplows to treat all the roads at the same time. If you find yourself in scary or dangerous conditions, you should stay calm.
If you fret and worry, it will only exacerbate the situation and keep you from thinking clearly. There is a great deal of ways for you to prepare yourself and your vehicle for hazardous conditions.
If you live in an area that experiences cold and icy winters, it is best to purchase a vehicle with four wheel drive. These types of automobiles will be steadier on roads covered in ice.
Vehicles that have either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive may not be able to recover as easily in a dangerous situation and may even make the problem worse. Make wise choices when it comes to purchasing a car that will help keep you safe.
You should always be wary of the streets and routes you take to get to work, school, or running your errands. Streets with a large amount of potholes or that have not been salted are too treacherous to drive on, especially when it is snowing.
Look up or research the best routes for you to take to get to the different places and activities you need to. You can do this online through your local or city website or your town's news broadcasting page.
Turn on a local channel before you leave; you may be able to receive information on weather and road conditions, as well as accidents, through your local news broadcast. There is also a number of different state-sponsored hot-lines devoted to giving citizens hourly information regarding the weather and road safety.
If you are already in your vehicle, watch for signs indicating radio stations that offer driving information. The more aware you are of your surroundings, the less of a chance you make mistakes or be hurt.
Most cities and towns also have a number of road signs indicating what you should do in icy situations. You should pay close attention while driving to any indicators on the side of the road that may offer advice on winter safety.
It is best that you take the routes with the least amount of uphill and downhill sloping. These roads are more dangerous, especially when you are traveling at high speeds.
You should also try your best to avoid bridges that are rickety and unsafe. Even well-built bridges experience some shifting and changing when the weather chills and frozen water gets on them.
However, dangerous structures and those that are not built in a sturdy manner are very likely to receive more damage or fall apart. If you are traveling long distances, you may find it necessary to use tire chains or spikes.
These will prevent your tires from slipping on ice and salt and keep you safe. However, only use these in case of an emergency or inclement weather, for they are more of a heavy-duty option to skid protection.
If you find yourself sliding on ice in your vehicle, your natural inclination may be to stomp on the brakes. However, this will only make it worse.
Instead of doing this, gently tap the breaks for a second or two, and then let go. Repeat this procedure over and over until the car comes to a stop.
While you are performing this task, it is necessary that you turn your steering wheel and car into the direction of the slide. This will cause your car to straighten up and come to a stop, without harming other drivers and vehicles and without driving off the side of the road.
Driving during the winter months can be treacherous, but if you are prepared and know the steps to take to ensure your safety, you can do so without stress. Pay close attention to the weather conditions, stay calm, and use your best judgment in every situation that you find yourself in.
by: Tom Selwick
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