Driving without a care in the world is the last thing you would want to do during winter. You may have even come across loads of drivers who just speed by you. Make sure you don’t try to emulate them, as it could lead to terrible consequences. The more slippery the road, the harder it is to drive, but it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on driving altogether. Instead, follow the tips mentioned in this piece to remain collected, calm, and most importantly safe.
Look Ahead
It is important to look far ahead when the roads are too slippery. While it may seem like an insignificant thing, doing so will help you think in advance, allowing you to avoid potential hazards. When you can anticipate what is about to come up ahead, you can strategize and create mental maps that would help you drive safely no matter where you are.
Slow your car down as often as you can and double the current stopping distance that you would generally use, and you will significantly reduce the risk of crashes.
Be Careful of the Skids
No matter where you are driving, you are eventually bound to hit a slippery spot which may cause your vehicle to slide towards danger. Whether it’s a big skid or a small one, managing them is indeed possible. What’s more, you can even control your car after encountering a dangerous skid. Just make sure that you don’t hit the brakes too hard.
You’d be surprised to learn that merely being gentle with your brakes can prevent car crashes. As simple as it may seem, don’t panic when you encounter a skid. Instead, calm your nerves down and assess your particular situation. You can ease off on the gas if there is a front wheel skid. This will help your vehicle to regain composure and traction.
However, if you encounter a rear wheel skid, it would be best to steer your vehicle in the exact direction its wheels are turning. For instance, if the rear wheels are moving towards the left, slow your accelerator down and steer towards the left. If they are moving towards the right, however, steer your wheels on the right.
Keep the Stopping Distance in Mind when Driving
Merely being aware of your stopping distance can help you avoid accidents. Generally, people tend to maintain a stopping distance of four to five seconds. However, things are massively different during winters as cars tend to slip and slide too much. This is why, maintaining a braking distance of eight to ten seconds would be more ideal.
While following some basic winter driving tips can be a life saver, you should also prime your vehicle for the winter season. You can do this by showing your car to a renowned auto repair service, making sure you are ready for the hurdles of driving on slippery roads.