For many drivers, it can be somewhat nerve-wracking to get behind the wheel during the wintertime. While everyone wants to feel safe and comfortable when they’re driving, that can become more difficult when it’s snowy and icy outside.
To help your confidence with winter driving, here are a few ways you can lower the chances of getting into an accident this winter:
Sliding through intersections
Having difficulty braking can be a huge problem for drivers when the roads are slippery, especially if your vehicle isn’t equipped with winter tires.
You’ve likely heard it many times before, but winter tires are crucial for staying safe in the winter, especially given the harsh conditions we’re accustomed to in Canada. Not only can driving without winter tires be unsafe for you, but it can also be a hazard to everyone else around you, as the reduced traction could cause you to hit a nearby car or pedestrian.
Even if you have winter tires, they won’t do you much good if they’re worn out. Make sure you maintain your winter tires and have them checked by a professional before you put them on to ensure they’ll last for the entire winter.
As the saying goes… All-Season tires may get you going, but winter tires will help you turn and stop.
Lane drifting collisions
If it’s snowy outside and the roads aren’t clear, it can become quite difficult to see the lane markers ahead of you. This can be quite dangerous if you’re driving down a windy road, especially if the drivers on the other side of the road are running into the same problem.
In order to increase your visibility, it’s important that both your windshield wipers and defrosters are operating properly. This problem can also arise at night, so it’s important that your headlights are fully functioning. If you’re having difficulty seeing the lane markers, make sure to slow down and give ample room for the car ahead of you.
Quick Tip: Have a windshield cleaning squeegee and bucket with winter windshield fluid in it in your garage loaded and ready. After pulling into your garage after a long day on the road, give your windows a good cleaning so you’re ready to take on the next drive when it comes. It’s also a great time to refill your windshield washer fluid – running out of that stuff on the highway can be extremely dangerous.
Spin-out collisions
No matter how careful you are, driving on a slippery road is far from ideal. If you’re behind the wheel when the roads are icy, make sure to take your time! Braking hard could cause you to spin-out and collide with another vehicle or a nearby object or building.
If you begin to spin, it’s important that you stay as calm as possible and steer in the direction you’re sliding.
As mentioned earlier, owning winter tires can help to avoid such an event from occurring.
Rear-end collisions
If you’re the type of driver who often finds themselves braking at the last possible second, you could find yourself in a rear-end collision if you’re not careful.
Remember that it takes longer to brake in the winter, especially if the roads are slippery. Pay attention to your surroundings and react ahead of time instead of panicking and slamming on the brakes.