7 Tips for Surviving Winter Weather Road Hazards

Walking in a winter wonderland sounds like a delightful experience. It’s driving in one that can be a nightmare.

In a previous blog, we reviewed winter preparedness for your car or truck. (And just because you drive a truck or an all-wheel drive vehicle, don’t think you’re exempt from needing a cold weather check-up or that you can be any less concerned about getting into car accidents.) We’ll assume you and your vehicle are healthy and in tip-top shape for the season.

Now, what happens when you actually do get caught having to traverse heavy ice and snow?

• Lower speeds (and lower gears) allow for the most traction.

• If your car starts to slide, lift your foot off of the accelerator.

• Never abandon your car if you find yourself stuck in the snow. Emergency crews can find a vehicle more easily than they can find a lone person in the snow.

• Never warm up your vehicle inside of a closed garage! Vehicle emissions are unscented and highly toxic. As soon as you notice you, or a family member, are falling victim to the fumes, it is too late to correct the situation. On a similar note, should you find yourself stuck with your car because of road conditions, or due toan accident like sliding off the road into a snow bank, be sure your tail pipe remains clear of snow and ice. It is wise to run the engine periodically to warm up the inside of the vehicle while you’re stranded, but if the tail pipe is blocked you’ll just be pumping in deadly carbon monoxide.

• Never use your car’s cruise control when driving on snow, ice, or if there’s a possibility of black ice on bridges and overpasses. (Black ice can occur even when the air temperature is a few degrees above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.)

• Never follow too closely when driving behind another car. Increase your normal following distance (about four seconds) to a full 10 seconds when roads are wet, snowy or icy.

• Never brake suddenly. Apply gentle pressure to the brake pedal should you need to slow down. Use emergency steering methods to direct your car away from hazards. The stopping distance required on an icy road is double that required on a dry road.

The American Automobile Association has an amazing brochure available (to non-members, too) with further winter weather specific instructions on steering your car out of danger, braking techniques and waiting for help with your broken down or stranded car.

Don’t forget to revisit the AskPeterDavis.com blog about how the law is helping New Jersey Aim for Fewer Winter Car Accidents.