Winter driving can be dangerous, especially for an unprepared or unskilled driver. The last few winters have proven that winter weather isn’t just for the north anymore. You never know what weather could occur. These tips can help keep you safe in wintery weather.
Being prepared for winter is the best thing you can do when the weather changes. Start by making sure your vehicle is ready to handle the weather.
Having your vehicle ready for winter conditions doesn’t just mean prepping the outside. Consider the things you might need in the event you get stuck or find yourself in the cold. Be prepared by stocking your car with the following:
To avoid crashing,
If road conditions are poor due to snow, ice, or even rain, driving slowly is best. Accelerating and decelerating slowly will help prevent you from losing control. It’s hard to stop when roads are slick.
Take turns slowly. Turning fast can increase your chance of losing control and sliding.
Avoiding stopping when possible. Coming to a full stop may keep you from getting going again. Now that’s not to say don’t stop at red lights and intersections when necessary, but stopping going up hills and at other times may cause you to get stuck and unable to move again.
Don’t start driving if your windows aren’t clear. Start your vehicle early so they have time to defrost and make scraping easier if necessary. It is vital that your view is clear on all sides and behind you to avoid accidents. Also, remember to clear your mirrors and cameras too.
When the weather gets bad, the best thing you can do is stay home if you can. If traveling isn’t a necessity, avoiding it is best. Taking unnecessary risks can put you in danger of accidents, injury, or exposure to the cold.
Understanding your vehicle and its functions is essential in both good and bad weather. Know what features your vehicle has and how they are expected to function.
Winter driving can be scary. It can also be dangerous. Be sure you know your vehicle. Be prepared when driving in inclement weather. If you don’t have to face the weather, avoid it. If you do, make safe choices.
Brought to you in partnership with the AFI Education Foundation. Armed Forces Insurance is here to protect those who protect our nation. Providing military members insurance for home, renters, auto, and much more. Created by former military leaders, AFI understands the challenges that military members face. Proudly served active, retired, and former military members and their families for over 135 years.
Brandy Hall, Nurse Writer, turned a passion for patient teaching into content writing. She teams up with health and wellness providers to improve patient health and relationships. By creating easy-to-understand patient education content, she helps patients understand their health without complex terms and jargon. Now she explores the world through creativity and adventure as a mom and military spouse.