Staying Safe in a Winter Storm

Winter storms usually mean snow. Snow means treacherous road conditions. And dangerous conditions mean more accidents. Even if you have a lot of experience driving in the snow, keeping yourself safe out there on the road during the winter months takes conscious effort. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your loved ones out of harm’s way this holiday season.

Avoid Driving in Storms

If you want to avoid an accident your best bet is to avoid driving in a storm altogether. Obviously, there are times when you simply can’t avoid it, but hunkering down for an evening while the storm calms and the roads get plowed will help you avoid the treacherous conditions and the accidents that come along with them.

Drive Slowly

Why does the day it snows heavily always happen to be the same day you sleep through your alarm? While you may be tempted to push down on the accelerator a little bit harder than usual to get to your morning meeting in time, nothing will slow you down more quickly than a nasty accident. So many tragedies can be avoided by simply having the patience to go a little slower than usual. Use the time to think or listen to some nice festive holiday tunes.

Drive Defensively

More often than not, the biggest threats to your safety are other careless drivers. Keep your eyes peeled for cars that frequently stop quickly or begin to slide into your lane. React calmly since sudden movements in snowy conditions can cause your car to lose control. Patience is a virtue, and you’ll definitely need it when road conditions become poor. Drive defensively and keep yourself safe behind the wheel.

Know How to React

Chances are good that when the roads are slippery you’ll slide around at least once or twice. Don’t get alarmed. Remember that sliding is normal and that you are in control. Turn your steering wheel gently in the opposite direction of the one you’re sliding in. If you have time, throw on your hazard lights if you start to lose control so other drivers have time to avoid hitting you. Take turns at a slower pace, and change lanes with caution and the chances of losing control will greatly diminish.

Allow Extra Time

Lots of accidents are caused by not giving yourself a big enough travel window. Remember that it takes longer to drive in the snow and plan accordingly. You may need to adjust your schedule a bit, but your safety should never take a back seat.