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Driving in Winter weather


Nationwide Insurance

Jan 7, 2005
Contributor: peter pippen

When hit by blowing snow or whiteout conditions, slow down and make sure
there ......lots of space or distance between you and the vehicle in front.
It often makes sense to get off the road totally and enjoy a cup of coffee
or drink and wait awhile to hit the road. This allows the emergency vehicles
to properly plow the road, sand or salt it, or perhaps to let the wind
reduce down to safer driving conditions. This is obviously the most safe
position but, unfortunately not usually the most thought of. But if you must
travel on always use low beam headlights when snow is falling, as it is
believed that high beams reflect back off the flakes and hamper vision.

Always leave trucks with lots of space. A heavily loaded tractor trailer
truck may have better traction but can cause havoc if it has to brake or
swerve suddenly to avoid smaller cars that try to squeeze into its path
while overtaking or merging.

Remember also to look out for hydroplaning when roads are wet with slushy
puddles. It is wise to check your vehicle as often as possible and to clear
the mess or guck out of the wheel wells and fender areas which may help you
steer better.

Always take the time before starting out on a trip or a drive around the
corner to properly clear ice and snow off your car windows, hood and roof.
Don't forget to clean your lights as dirty lights can reduce illumination of
the roadway by half. You won't be able to see as well and the other traffic
won't be able to see you. To combat moisture buildup on windows, open a
window slightly giving enough room for air to circulate. Still use the heat
blowers and defoggers to clear.

Good winter tires give 50% better traction over what is referred to as
all-season tires. This may mean 50% better handling and braking. Follow your
car manufacturer's tire air pressure recommendations exactly and check
pressures regularly outside. Avoid checking them in a warm garage as it may
affect the results. Under inflation is very hard on tire life and reduces
control of the car while over inflation reduces contact with the road and
creates a safety hazard, especially in rain or snow. A drop of 11 degrees C
reduces tire pressure apparently by 2 psi.

One of the most common winter accidents is sliding into another car because
there just wasn't enough room to stop. So space your distance from other
vehicles generously.

Allow for extra time to get to your destination. One of the most common
causes for accidents are believed to be the desire to rush to make it on
"time". Poor weather driving conditions while extremely dangerous to whether
you even make it to your destination "alive" means you should allow
generously for time. Live earlier and don't worry if you arrive late. People
will understand why your late! What they won't understand is why you were
rushing and got in an accident and got hurt. Allow for lots of extra time in
bad weather.

For more information relating to "Driving in Winter weather ", please visit our insurance Driving in Winter weather page.

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