subject: Safety Tips for Driving in Winter [print this page] Safety Tips for Driving in Winter Safety Tips for Driving in Winter
Driving in winter is not a nice thing, as you have to face unavoidable conditions caused by nature. Winter makes you keep your vehicles in the best possible condition, so you should give extra efforts to make sure that you will be safe during the trip.
Remember that every time you are driving, you are not the only one who deserves safety. You should think of other persons who are with you, or the ones waiting for you at home. Just give a peaceful mind to anyone who loves you. To get this, there are several things to consider and to check regularly.
Check your vehicle's parts, such as the tyre, brakes, foglights, and windscreen wipers. It is extremely not nice finding these parts broken on snowy roads, while the next house is miles away! Make sure that your radiator has been topped up with anti-freeze to the correct concentration for winter.
Remember to use foglights only when you experience poor vision. It is because they can danger other road users as the lights are dazzling. You also should make sure that your windscreen wipers are working properly. Clean them if you find that they cannot clean your screen the way you wish, or replace them with the new ones if you feel certain that they can last no longer.
If you like listening to music, it will be good to turn on your radio to some stations that provide latest traffic information. It will be helpful in informing you some newest conditions found on some roads, such as cracked trees. Of course, this will make you more aware.
You should bring some items and outfits, like sunglasses, warm-clothing, gloves, waterproof jacket, boots, phone charger and even a torch. The sunglasses will help you cope with glare from a low sun. Snow and rain reflect it, so they can dazzle you. That is how sunglasses are needed. The warm-clothing, gloves, waterproof jacket, and boots are helpful when you get stuck in treacherous conditions.
Before you go, you better save some crucial service contact numbers in your phone. You are even suggested to save 911! We just do not know what could happen to us, and who knows that we will be too busy to press these three numbers.
Bring some supplies, like bottles of water, snacks, and bread. They will keep you energized during a long queue in winter or a snowdrift. We all know that being hydrated and in a hunger could make us lack of focus! Keeping some cans of coffee will be good to make you keep awake, especially when your destination is still miles away, while you cannot stop for few minutes. Coffee will make you "stay fresh", at least until you reach nearest bars and gas stations.
Do not speed up! Snow and rain make roads wet and slippery. Even if you are in a hurry, try to call some people in your destination to tell that you will late. They will understand. You can even do some tricks, such as leaving home earlier for arriving on time, without speeding.
