Rubbing tires with Dale Jr. at 200-mph in a NASCAR race or walking in the middle of a highway at night might seem safer than driving during the winter months, especially after a big storm has passed. Cars lose traction, other drivers take idiotic risks, visibility is eliminated by nearly horizontal snowfall, and the whole mess turns into a demolition derby thanks to freezing rain.
While drivers can limit their time on the road by putting off trips to the market or staying home for dinner, there are still occasions when traveling in bad weather is necessary. For times when winter driving can't be avoided, the trick is mastering how to navigate the nasty stuff and make it home with car and body intact.
So, settle in for a rundown of safe winter driving tips. Seatbelts are required.
Winter Driving Tips
· Allow plenty of room for evasive maneuvers and avoid sudden turns. With winter roads covered in sand, snow, slush, and ice, all vehicles will suffer a loss of traction, and that means more time and road will be needed to stop or change lanes. Scan the road ahead and be prepared for emergency situations by leaving yourself an "out."
· Know the vehicle's limitations. If a lightweight car has regular all-season or performance tires instead of snow tires, it may take a bit longer to gain traction in snow or slush. Also, rear-wheel-drive cars with little weight over the drive axle will have some trouble grabbing the road, and all rear-wheel-drive vehicles will tend to fishtail (when the rear end slides from side to side) unless they're equipped with traction control. Be aware of these conditions and drive accordingly.
· Roll onto the throttle. Nailing the gas pedal will often make the tires spin, resulting in a car that either travels nowhere or possibly goes out of control. Easing onto the gas will provide a slow, smooth start.
· If it's a questionable move, don't do it. Darting across streets or making quick passes in winter conditions seldom end with the best consequences. Studies have yet to prove that getting t-boned while desperately trying to cross an intersection is worth the few seconds cut from travel time.
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