School will be starting soon, and I am starting to think about the Winter. I know there is some time before we get there, but it doesn’t take long before we are trying to make sure the kids are getting where they need to be, from work, to school, to Cheer practice, to games. With the exception of very bad weather, when no one should be on the road, the activities or work still goes on, and we need to get there. It is important to know how to drive in winter weather. But just as important is having a vehicle that can drive in winter weather safely. This time of year people are starting to think about getting a new car for exactly that reason. While nothing drives well in ice, Jeeps and other SUVs are known to drive better in snow because of the ground clearance and better traction.
Driving in the winter can be tricky because you might find yourself in Winter weather without being prepared. If you find yourself in an icy situation try to stay calm and remember these tips.
Tips for driving when the roads are icy:
Remember that in the winter, you might think the roads are fine, but remember there are a lot of ways the roads can get icy. It doesn’t have to be snowing or raining. The roads can get icy because of warmer weather during the day that melts snow. As the water runs onto the road, the temperatures drop at night. This can cause the roads to become icy. Always expect there to be ice on the roads.
Always use caution when you are coming to a bridge a road that is concrete. It freezes differently than asphalt. It also freezes before the roads do, so you might be surprised when you hit the ice.
Remember to be easy on the brake. Don’t press the brakes hard because that can cause the brakes to lock to hard and start you into a sliding on the ice.
Don’t press the gas down hard. If you press the gar hard, the tires can’t grip the road when the weather is bad.
If you start to slide on ice, do not panic. Let off of the brakes so the wheels do not lock up. Then start to turn into the slide. Think about the way you want to go, look in that direction and turn the wheel. Make sure not to turn too far because you can over compensate and start sliding the other way.
Go slow. Don’t worry about the other cars. Let the cars pass you if need be. If you rush and go faster than is safe or faster than you feel comfortable, you can get yourself in situation that can cause an accident.
Always leave enough distance from the car in front of you. This gives you more time to stop even if you hit an icy patch. If you know the roads are icy, check your township’s website because some will tell you the schedule that they plow and salt.
Remember, always try to stay off the road when it is icy, but use these tips if you find yourself on the road in icy conditions.
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