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:
And some snowplow safety:
