If you live in a state with a harsh winter, chances are you'll encounter scary winter driving conditions at some point. It's not just new drivers who find it intimidating to brave wintery roads; experienced drivers do, too.
There's a good reason for it. According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 116,000 people get injured and 1,300 die on snowy, slushy, icy roads—every year. But why get paralyzed by fear when you can learn to face these dangerous situations safely? This guide teaches you what you need to know to keep on driving in the winter.
1. Black Ice on Roads
Ice forms when the road is wet and the surface temperature drops below freezing. Black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on the road, but instead of it looking icy, the road looks wet. More often than not, it forms at night or early in the morning, when it's coldest. If you're not careful, you could easily skid and lose control of your vehicle before realizing you hit an icy spot.
If you encounter black ice, stay calm. Keep the steering wheel straight and do not hit the brakes. Otherwise, the vehicle could go into a fishtail, which is when your car's rear wheels lose traction. Ease off the gas pedal and, if you can, shift into a lower gear. This should help you gain control while you steer the car in the direction you want to go.
2. Driving with Snow
Snowy roads are very slippery. That's why you should use winter tires (also known as snow tires) if you know you'll encounter that white stuff. They grip the road better and could save your life.
But winter tires aren't an excuse for careless driving. Snowy roads call for steady, smooth driving. Don't steer the wheel too suddenly, and don't brake aggressively. Otherwise, you could lose control of your vehicle.
You should also look far ahead on the road to plan your next steps. Slippier roads mean a longer braking distance. In other words, your car will travel more yards before stopping after pressing the brakes. Stay safe by leaving more room between your car and whoever is driving ahead of you. This way, if they stop, you can also stop without hitting them.
3. Being Caught in a Blizzard
You should never drive in a blizzard, but what if you get caught in one? Don't panic. The biggest issue you'll deal with is a lack of visibility, but there are some steps you can take to ensure you stay safe.
First, make yourself visible. Turn on all your car's lights, including the fog ones. Other drivers will be able to spot you better and avoid driving into you.
Then, drive very slowly—almost at a snail's pace. This will give you more time to respond to obstacles in your way. It also means that if you crash into something, the damage won't be as bad as if you were speeding.
Finally, it's best to come to a stop until the blizzard passes. If you're on a highway or interstate, head to the closest exit and find a safe place to park. If that's not possible, pull up to the side of the road. Remember to keep the lights on even when stopped so you're visible.
Prepare Your Driving Skills for Dangerous Conditions
Knowing how to handle hazardous conditions is the mark of a great driver. We haven't covered all there is to know here, so you need to keep on learning. Our defensive driving course is a great resource for that. It's self-paced, fully online, and very hands-on. You'll learn a variety of tips and tricks to staying safe in many different situations.
