Winter is here and has been for a while. However, multiple states are expecting severe winter storms in the coming days. While staying off the roads is best, some situations may necessitate driving in the snow despite the increased risk of car wrecks. Luckily, there are ways to stay safe, and most tips for successful snow driving require just a little more focus than usual. 

Driving in the snow can be dangerous

Snow is one of the most exciting weather conditions. This is because most people only see it a few times during the year. However, driving in the snow can be dangerous. In fact, it’s easy to misjudge the condition of the road, which is why it’s best to monitor the weather and get any needed shopping done before things get too bad. Still, as mentioned, some situations would call for driving in wintery conditions. According to The Department of Transportation, about 24 percent of winter-related car wrecks happen in the snow.

Know your route

One of the best tips for driving in the snow is that you should know where you’re going. This isn’t the time to rely on navigation, nor is it the time to experiment with the route you take. Despite the beauty of snow, it causes several car wrecks each year, and drivers will want to make the process as simple as possible. If you are having to drive to a new or less familiar place, study the route as much as possible beforehand. 

Remove snow from your car

Naturally, it’s common sense that you can’t safely drive with snow on the windows. However, it’s also best to clear as much snow from your car as possible before moving. This is mainly because the snow could easily fall from the top of your car onto the window, obstructing your view. Also, some areas make it illegal to drive with snow on your vehicle. 

Slow and steady is best

Driving in the snow requires slow and steady speeds. You’re not in a race, nor is anyone else on the road except emergency vehicles. Because of this, there should be no pressure to rush. All acceleration should be steady and measured, as sudden speed changes can easily lead to car wrecks. Drivers should be cautious when going around curves. Also, there should be considerable space between vehicles. It’s suggested that this requires a following distance of seven to nine seconds.

Stay alert when driving in the snow

One of the biggest mistakes a person can make when driving in the snow is losing focus. This is always the case when driving, but adding slippery roads to the mix makes it even more so. It’s essential to pay attention to what other cars are doing and be aware of any areas of the road that may be icier than others. This is all a balancing act, but it’s necessary for driving safely in the snow. 

Don’t slam on the brakes

Driving steadily also means braking with ease. It may seem like slamming on the brakes is the best way to slow down while driving in the snow, but it’s not. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons for car wrecks in this weather condition. Slowing down or stopping in the snow should be more gradual, which is one reason for the increased following distance. 

Never use cruise control when driving in the snow

It may be tempting to use cruise control when driving in the snow. However, this isn’t suggested. For the most part, this is the case because cruise control can’t properly adjust speeds to adapt to such slippery surfaces. In fact, experts also don’t advise using cruise control in the rain. It’s best to accelerate and decelerate slowly on your own.

Remember, safety in harsh weather conditions is key. Check out this article on the increased risk of car wrecks in bad weather.