Winter driving tips by: The Ski Channel

We here at The Ski Channel love winter, for obvious reasons. It's by far our favorite season. There is, however, one aspect of the glorious days of white snow and cold air that we don't look forward to...driving. If you live in a ski town, you know what we're talking about. Driving in the winter when it's snowing a lot can be stressful, dangerous, and flat out hazardous. Never driven in snow? Check out an episode of last week's Daily Snow Fail to give you a taste...

So what steps can we take to bring us safer driving this winter? Well, part of it is common sense---drive slowly, don't make sudden stops, wear your seatbelt...but here's a full and comprehensive list of winter driving tips that are always welcome. Thanks to the Nevada Department of Transportation for this:

• Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills
• Before leaving home, check weather and road conditions
• Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you
• Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates
• Buckle up
• Turn on headlights to see and be seen
• Turn off cruise control
• Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually
• Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions
• Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles
• Always comply with all posted chain requirements
• If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30
• Keep additional distance from other vehicles
• Watch carefully for snow removal equipment
• Do not pass without good distance and sight clearance
• Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas- they may freeze first
• Maintain a high fuel level
• If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator
• Be aware of black ice
• If parked or stuck in snow, leave window slightly cracked for ventilation and make sure vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow
• Always carry tire chains, especially when traveling in mountain passes or typically snowy areas
• Remember – 4-wheel-drive vehicles cannot necessarily turn or stop any better than 2-wheel-drive vehicles

Carry these with you:

• Tire chains / tow strap
• Flashlight
• Spare batteries
• Ice scraper
• Cell phone for emergency communication
• Snow shovel
• Flares
• Jumper cables
• Small bag of sand for wheel traction
• Extra winter clothes / coat / gloves / socks
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Non-perishable foods / water
• First aid supplies / prescription medication
• Battery-operated radio
• Candles / matches or lighter
• State map for navigation in event of winter detour

And some snowplow safety:

• Use caution when following, passing or approaching snow removal equipment
• Drive a safe distance behind snowplows. Plows often travel slower than other vehicles to remove snow, apply sand and liquid anti-icers and assist stranded vehicles
• Before attempting to pass snow removal equipment, check direction of snow discharge to avoid snow and debris thrown from equipment. Remember that plows are wider than most vehicles and portions of the plow and blade may be obscured by blowing snow
• Don’t crowd the plow. Only pass snow removal vehicles when a safe, legal passing area is available and adequately clear of snow and/or treated with salt and sand
• Don’t travel beside a snowplow. They can shift sideways after hitting snow packs or drifts
• When a plow approaches you, allow the plow room to operate by reducing speed and moving to the right side of the road if there is room to safely do so
• Do not brake with unnecessary sudden movements when in front of a snowplow - plows cannot stop as quickly as an automobile
• Don’t drive through white out conditions caused by swirling snow around a snowplow. Safely pull to the side or slow to allow visibility to improve
• Remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you