10 Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice

Driving in snow and ice can be tricky, even for experienced drivers. Here are ten tips to help you drive safely in winter weather.

1) Prevent skidding
As any driving lessons telford instructor will tell you, it’s crucial to have a good grip on your car when driving in snow or ice—for obvious reasons. If your tires can’t get any traction on slick surfaces, there isn’t much you can do about it. The best way to prevent skidding is to slow down and maintain a wide berth between yourself and other vehicles. In other words, don’t drive like an idiot; driving lessons telford instructors are right about most things.

3) Check your brakes
You should regularly check your brakes to make sure they’re working properly. If you hit a patch of ice or snow, your chances of crashing are dramatically increased if your car isn’t equipped with properly functioning brakes. Before going out on any icy roads, make sure to give your car a thorough inspection. Make sure that your tires are pumped up and that they have enough tread to support you when it comes time to stop.

4) Anticipate obstacles
Slow down, keep a safe distance from other vehicles on icy roads, and anticipate obstacles before hitting them. It’s also wise to lower your speed if you are driving downhill or downhill on an expressway.

5) Slow down more than you need to
Slowing down not only helps you control your vehicle, but it also reduces your risk of getting into an accident. Even at low speeds, skidding and losing control are real risks. If you can’t avoid a slippery stretch of road, just take it slow; if you feel like your tyres are about to lose grip, don’t hit the gas! Instead, take your foot off of it entirely until traction returns.

6) Keep your distance from other cars
When you’re driving in bad weather, it’s easy to get frustrated with other drivers. Their errors can make your drive more dangerous (if they’re tailgating or cutting you off, for example), so don’t become road ragey—stay calm.

7) Use low gear when necessary
When driving on snow or ice, it’s better to use a lower gear so you can slow down gradually. It’s better to let your vehicle roll to a stop than apply brakes suddenly. If you do need to brake quickly, don’t skid—save it for when you really need it. Instead, take your foot off of your gas pedal and gently depress your brakes with care. Make sure you leave plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles—don’t tailgate.

9) Get an emergency kit
During emergencies, even minor ones, it’s a good idea to always have an emergency kit on hand. A winter storm may seem minor but can still wreak havoc if you aren’t prepared. An emergency kit will ensure that you stay safe while dealing with a snowstorm, so make sure your car is equipped with one.

10) Learn to drive correctly on snow and ice
Many accidents happen on snowy, icy roads every year. However, if you learn to drive correctly on snow-covered roads, it can be an enjoyable experience.