The winter ushers in a wonderful time of year when people enjoy good food, company and holiday cheer. However, the cold also brings challenging winter driving conditions, which increase the chances of vehicle accidents and severe injury. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), there are 1,235,000 weather-related vehicle accidents annually — with wet roads being the leading cause, followed by rain, snow and sleet.
To help you stay safe and get home warm, dry and without incident this season, follow these winter driving safety tips.
The Importance of Cold Weather Driving Safety
Cold weather driving presents an array of new driving challenges, which we must take seriously, as weather-related accidents result in far more deaths than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. This winter, please make sure you are adequately prepared to avoid road accidents and equipped to handle breakdowns or emergencies.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Cold Weather Driving
It's important to keep up with your scheduled vehicle maintenance, and it is wise to know how to winterize your car for the season and follow these tips for getting ready for winter driving conditions:
- Check that your battery is functioning correctly and look out for signs that it is time to replace your car battery.
- Switch to winter tires to enhance traction and keep an eye on your tire pressure, as cold weather driving can cause it to decrease.
- Ensure that your all-season tires are in good condition and have enough tread — see how to check your tires for wear and if they need changing.
- Add a de-icing solution to your windshield wiper fluid, and check the quality of your wiper blades.
- Have your cooling system inspected and top up your anti-freeze or engine coolant to ensure your engine maintains the correct temperature.
- Verify that all your vehicle lights work properly.
Winter Driving Tips and Techniques
When heading out, be sure to adhere to all the rules of the road and remember to buckle up. When the weather is bad, it's often best to stay put. If you're driving in winter conditions, keep these winter driving tips in mind:
- Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
- Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
- Plan to leave earlier — cold weather driving is risky, so be safe and don't rush.
- Adjust your driving habits to accommodate adverse conditions — allow longer stopping distances on wet or sleet-covered roads.
- Maintain a safe and extended following distance while traveling, especially at high speeds, and avoid sudden or erratic maneuvers.
- Steer smoothly, accelerate gradually and brake slowly and gently.
- Approach inclines with a steady speed, but try not to accelerate quickly on steep inclines as your tires may spin.
- Avoid slowing to a stop on icy slopes, as gaining traction will be challenging.
- Gradually slow down and put on your emergency flashers if you see that you are driving on black ice.
Winter Driving Safety Tips — Emergency Preparedness
Part of preparing for a vehicle emergency in winter is ensuring that your car is running well, so be sure to visit one of the AAA-approved auto repair (AAR) shops before you head out in the winter driving conditions. Also, if you get locked out of your car or house, please do not panic — there are steps you can take:
- Never head out in poor weather conditions or for a long trip without charging your cell phone and taking a car charger or power bank along.
- Include snow removal tools such as a snow shovel, an ice scraper and a broom in case you get snowed in or there are obstructions.
- Sign up for AAA's reliable roadside assistance that comes to your aid 24/7 whether you run out of gas, your battery dies or you need a tow to the nearest repair shop.
- Check that you have your tire change kit, jumper cables, warning devices and abrasive material such as cat litter or traction mats — in case you get stuck and your wheels keep spinning.
Driving in the winter can lead to delays and challenges. If you do get stuck in the snow or stopped traffic, follow these tips:
- Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
- Don’t over-exert yourself: When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.
- Be visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
- Clear the exhaust pipe: Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment of the vehicle while the engine is running.
- Stay warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.
- Conserve fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel.
Keep Safe This Winter With AAA Central Penn
Staying safe on the roads and avoiding vehicle accidents certainly ensures a more enjoyable winter season. Please look at the winter driving tips and techniques discussed and realize that emergencies can still occur even with proper preparation and effective defensive driving strategies. That is where AAA Central Penn can lend a reliable helping hand.
We can assist with a wide range of vehicle emergencies, and our members enjoy several benefits and services in addition to our reputable roadside assistance. Be prepared for cold weather driving — become a AAA member today and experience peace of mind, knowing we are just a phone call away.
