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December – Winter Driving
Snow is on its way! The forecast of snow is a good opportunity to refresh our memories about safe winter driving habits. Here are some starters:
- Check the current road conditions before you leave
- Review how to work the wipers, headlights, and defroster
- Clear snow and ice from all windows. Remember to do the headlights, tail lights, and mirrors too
- Go slow and try not to make sudden movements if you must brake, change lanes, or turn
- Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do
- Watch for slippery spots around bridges or from drifting snow
- Leave extra room for stopping
- Don't use the cruise control. Tapping the break to turn it off can cause you to lose control of the vehicle
One common thing many drivers don’t know about driving in snow is how to brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in slippery conditions, and larger vehicles need more stopping distance than smaller ones. Vehicles with 4-wheel drive may have better traction getting started but still need a longer distance to stop. If your car has anti-lock brakes do not pump the brakes to stop; keep braking steadily and steer out of the situation.
Wisconsin DOT has more information about driving in winter weather conditions: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/winterdriving/driving-tips.htm.
Fact:
Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of
driver inattention within three seconds before a crash.
1. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and NHTSA, “NHTSA, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute Release Findings of
Breakthrough Research on Real-World Driver Behavior, Distraction, and Crash Factors” accessed August 17, 2009. |
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