Winter Driving Tips: How to Drive in Snow and Icy Roads

Even in southern Indiana’s milder climate, the weather sometimes hands us conditions that make driving less than pleasurable. In winter, snow and ice can occur with little notice, and it is important to understand how to drive in such weather conditions. These tips can help you handle the winter weather conditions that you may experience.

According to IcyRoadSafety.com, icy roads caused more fatalities in Indiana than any other state during the 2008-09 winter season, with states like Oklahoma and Texas also in the top ten.

The first tip when driving in snow and ice is to make sure your vehicle is in top operating condition for any weather. Keep your tires properly inflated and make sure you have adequate tread depth. Make sure your wipers work, your wiper blades are in good condition and your wiper fluid is filled. Have your battery checked annually and make sure your window defrosters and heater fully function. Know your vehicle’s equipment, how it works and its limitations.  Safety equipment like antilock brakes and traction control are great technologies but can catch an unprepared driver off guard in a crisis situation. One of the best ways to prepare for driving in inclement weather conditions is to practice driving in an empty snow- or ice-covered parking lot.

Our second tip is to be prepared. Keep a blanket, a candle (with a way to light it), a flashlight, water and some snacks in your car. That way if something bad does happen, at least you can stay warm, hydrated and have some food if you get stranded. And of course, you should always keep a set of jumper cables and a good ice scraper in your car. You may also want to consider keeping a small shovel and a bag of ice melt or cat litter in your car which can help you dig through snow and get traction on ice if you do get stuck.

Now you’re ready to hit the road; right? Wait a second. First check the weather and road conditions: if bad weather is in the forecast or road conditions are poor, your best bet is to stay put and wait until the road conditions are safe for travel. But that’s not always an option, so here are some tips to help you get through that car trip safely.

This tip is so obvious that it could remain unsaid, but sadly many don’t follow it: SLOW DOWN.  Driving slow in snow and ice is a must. Don’t be in a hurry. Some people with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive think that they can go the same speed that they would under normal driving conditions. Remember that four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive can help you go, but they don’t help you stop!

In slippery conditions due to ice or snow, increase your following distance and be ready to react sooner than usual, but in a much slower and more deliberate manner. For example, begin slowing down by easing off the gas and coasting before you ease into soft braking. Dramatic actions create problems in slippery weather and slamming on the brakes can cause complete loss of traction and control — especially in icy conditions. By the same token, sudden steering movements can throw the vehicle into a slide. Your best bet is to not put yourself in a situation where drastic action is needed. That means driving slowly and following other cars at a safe distance.

Also, don’t use cruise control in inclement weather – it can cause your car to suddenly accelerate and lose traction without notice.

If you’re preparing your vehicle for winter or need help understanding the features on your Honda, give our friendly Service Department a call at Neil Huffman Honda in Clarksville. Our Service Department number is 866-788-4707. We look forward to speaking with you!

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