Are You Ready for Winter Roads?

Just "going slow" doesn't make you safe during bad winter weather. Be prepared with these practical tips.

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Before You Drive

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Build a winter emergency kit with tire chains, a blanket or sleeping bag, hand warmers, flashlight with batteries, jumper cables, first aid kit, and snacks. Keep it in your trunk.

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Get some recovery equipment like a small shovel, flares, and sand or cat litter for traction. This can get you unstuck if help is inaccessible.

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Check your vehicle. That means your battery, tire tread and pressure, washer fluid, and wiper blades.

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Review your auto insurance to see if you have roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Winter conditions increase breakdown and accident risks.

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Keep your tank above half full to prevent fuel line freeze-ups and keep you warm if you're stuck.

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Clear your entire vehicle before driving. Remove all snow from the hood, roof, and lights. Snow flying off your roof at highway speed can blind other drivers.

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While Driving

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Double or triple your following distance. Give yourself at least twice your normal space in snow, three or more on ice.

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Brake before the turn, not during. Slow down on straight stretches and coast through curves. Turning and braking together causes skids.

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Give snow plows space by staying at least 15-20 car lengths back. They create low visibility snow clouds and stop without warning.

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Understand your brakes. Most modern cars have ABS, so if you have to brake quickly, press firmly and hold, don't pump. 

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If you skid, steer where you want to go, not what you're sliding toward. Ease off the gas and don't slam brakes.

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Watch for black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where it forms first. If the road looks wet but cars aren't spraying, it's probably ice.

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4WD helps you go, not stop. All-wheel drive gets you moving in snow. It doesn't help you brake or turn so don't let it make you overconfident.

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