Driving in Snow and Ice

We have our first snow showers today. The ground is still warm so we hardly see any accumulation. Our weather forecast scattered snow showers overnight and early morning. We may see an inch of snow in the morning.

I think people tend to forget how to drive in the snow or icy roads during the first snow showers. I always see a lot of cars in the ditch and roll over car accidents. It is very important to drive with caution at all times especially on winter roads.

My first year driving in Michigan was not good. I got stuck in the snow on my first day. I spinned my car and made a donut turn on the 2nd day. I went to the ditch 3x and was glad it wasnt very deep and people were very helpful to pull my car out from the ditch. I experienced fish tailing in a 50 mph speed and ended up in a snow bunk (glad i didnt hit a tree or post). Overall it was a very traumatic experienced for me. So, we decided to get a 4WD Jeep SUV vehicle. It was my savior and handles very well for the last 5 years. Now that I lost my Jeep from a car accident in August, I am back to a 2WD Front wheel Ford Taurus Vehicle, a full size car and has good reviews on winter driving. Truthfully, I am scared. I will just have to drive slow and very carefully. I wish I can afford another 4WD SUV but with high gas price now a days....I guess I'll just have to keep my 2WD car. argh!

Driving in Snow and Ice

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
7. MORE TIPS

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services