Be Prepared

To ensure you are prepared to handle winter road conditions, consider an advanced driver-training course that teaches emergency driving skills

Snowy Roads

Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slippery as ice. It can also be rutted and full of hard tracks and gullies. Or it can be smooth and soft. Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. Remember, look far ahead as you drive, so you can recognize hazards and have plenty of time to respond. Adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions. Slow down and avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, and sudden braking and accelerating which could cause a skid. Extra caution should be exercised when driving in these road conditions.

Ice

Be careful when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, as these sections of road freeze much sooner in cold weather and stay frozen long after the sun has risen. Watch out for frost, areas of the road that appear black and shiny, as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction. Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as your vehicle crosses these areas.

Stopping Distances

In winter driving conditions, it takes all vehicles longer to stop on snow-covered roads. After a good snow fall, visit an empty parking lot and do a few emergency stops to see how well your car stops on snow-covered roads. Start off with low speed stops and gradually increase the speeds until you have a good feel for how your car responds. If your car doesn't want to stop in a straight line, you may need to have the brakes checked. Be sure to stay away from anything you can hit if you lose control in the parking lot.

Snow and Slush Spray

On snowy, wet and slushy roads, large trucks and buses can blow moisture onto your windshield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility. Always drive defensively and leave enough space to avoid their snow spray.