10 tips for safe winter driving

Just because many people love winter, it doesn’t mean that snow is without risks and dangers.

Expert drivers know the consequences of driving without caution in winter. However, not everyone is an expert, and this is the main reason that inspired us to prepare this list of 10 tips for safe winter driving.

But before we continue with the tips, we want to share with you some ideas that will make you think.

Snow and how to prevent accidents

It’s probably not necessary to say the following, but we’ll say it anyway: “Concentration and caution are vital”. In freezing weather, knowing how to drive safely in winter is an important task.

Driving in the snow with caution allows you to match your pace, control your vehicle’s movements and anticipate any eventuality.

The possibility of suffering an accident is a latent evil that attacks life, so prevention should always be the priority. Part of this evil possibility is built from elements such as the visibility of the road, the speed of the car, the weather (cloudy, snowy, rain, etc.), ice on the road, and many more impossibilities.

Facing this long list of obstacles can be frightening, but winter driving is not difficult. To do so, you can know the rules of how to drive preventively and drive better.

How to drive safely in winter

For us, safety is the most important pillar of all. It should not be assumed that driving in extreme weather situations is easy; in fact, the opposite is true. Even for the most confident drivers, traveling in winter often causes anxiety.

Now, if you want to drive safely in winter, reading these 10 tips will be of great help.

1. Get plenty of rest the day before

Resting before setting out on a trip, whether it is a short or long journey, is a wise decision.

The body is a reflection of our decisions: if we take care of it, it will look good. Conversely, if we do not pay due attention to it, our body will show the neglect we have given it and impair our judgment.

The act of driving is not a game. Certain responsibilities are precarious and require a lot of caution to take care of your family members and other drivers on the road.

Therefore, rest well before driving.

2. Make sure of everything before leaving home

Driving in the snow is not the most advisable idea, considering the high rate of accidents caused in these conditions.

If you travel in winter, it must be for something important and necessary. Therefore, you should have a plan to execute, such as: what you will do, what you will buy, where you will go, what time you will leave home and what time you will return, how long it will take, etc.

3. Check the weather forecast and its possible difficulties

Living in an area with such frequent weather changes, it is normal to know what are the possible difficulties that may occur.

However, a last phase of verification will not be a waste of time. Check the weather, the forecasts for the day and the next few days, to have a much clearer idea of what to expect.

4. Prepare your car with what you need

Driving in winter is totally different from driving at other times of the year, in other weather, and under other circumstances.

This tip requires a lot of insight and foresight. The sense of caution may be more powerful in some people who know the risks in more detail, or people who simply tend to be wary of any situation.

For example, make sure your car has enough fuel. Also make sure that the power, battery, ignition system, windshield wipers and mirrors are working properly. Finally, don’t forget to check the lighting: this is an essential parameter, so you can see and be seen, especially when it snows.

Also, an extraordinary idea is to prepare a tool kit in case of a panner. As well as a scraper to remove the frost, and a rake to remove the snow in case it piles up on the road.

5. 4 snow tires are better than 2

When the snowy season arrives, everyone prepares to welcome winter.

However, we must also remember to change the tires. Special snow tires are the best choice, as they run on snow, ensure the safety of drivers, have better grip on snow and ice, resistance to low temperatures, and their deep grooves remove traces of snow to the outside.

Preferably, change all four tires of the car for better safety.

6. Reduce your speed

As you may already know, snow may look beautiful, but it is deceptive.

If a car is going at high speeds, the chances of accidents caused by skidding or brake failure increase. The likelihood of a car being able to brake abruptly on a snow-covered road is low, so it is advisable to slow down.

Driving in snow at a reduced speed avoids unnecessary accidents.

7. Respect the signs

Signs are strategically placed on the road for one reason: to avoid accidents and save lives.

If a sign is coming, be aware that something is coming: a curve or an intersection, and you need to react to these signs.

8. Try to anticipate

Sometimes, a driver who frequents the same roads may feel confident, but when the weather is different, confidence does not help much.

Preferably, take the safest option: anticipation. Take the wheel with caution and drive without haste. Pay attention to the signs and everything around you. Concentrate and drive calmly.

9. Drive on main roads

Why the main roads? These are the first to be cleared of snow, which is a great relief for many.

Also, because it is the main road, there are signs and signals that tell you when something is coming up, whether it is a bridge, a curve or an alternate route.

However, keep your precautions and your sense of alertness on in case of any eventuality.

10. Keep a safe distance

Driving in snow carries many risks, especially if you are going at a slightly higher speed.

The distance on the road should be prudent, neither too close nor too far, an intermediate distance. This way, in case of any eventuality, the brakes can do their job and stop the car as soon as possible, without running the risk of crashing.

The truth is that learning to drive safely in winter is an initiative that we should all do, if we are drivers. If we are just passengers, it’s not a must, but it’s not a disappointing idea either.

Learning to drive in the snow can be productive in keeping you and your family and friends safe.