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With the recent winter storms that have hit the South East and blanketed the roads with snow and ice; driving can be a challenge! Most modern vehicles today have an electronic traction control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and other features to help assist drivers in adverse driving conditions, but these systems are not fool proof. They do not make up for over confident or complacent drivers.

Visibility

One of the difficulties in winter driving is establishing good visibility.

• Take the time to remove ALL snow and ice off the front and back windshields and side windows.

• Do not try to drive while looking through a peep hole on your windshield; you need full visibility before you leave.

• Do not apply hot water to the windshields to remove the ice; it could crack the glass from the extreme temperature changes.

• A credit card or ATM card can be used as an ice scraper in a pinch.

• Remove all the snow off the hood and roof of the car. Driving around with snow build-up on the roof can dislodge and fly off causing visibility problems for you and other drivers.

• Remove the snow that has collected around the headlights and tail lights as well.

Tires

Check your tire pressure and confirm that the tires are set at the recommend pressure.

Tires can lose one lb of pressure when the temperature drops by 10 degree increments.

Traction

• The roads may be extra slippery from the ice that accumulates around trees, over passes, and off-ramps.

• When the temperature drops below 20 degrees: the road salt that the D.O.T. disperses may not work till the temperatures rises back above the freezing mark.

• Do not over drive the conditions- slow down and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your desired location.

Braking

• With the visibility hampered and the slippery road conditions, drivers must give themselves more room to slow down, at least up to three times the distance!

• Apply the brakes with smooth and firm pressure.

• If the brakes start to lock; back off the pressure a little.

• Driving a car with ABS brakes: allow the computer to adjust the braking pressure.

• An older car most likely will not have ABS brakes. In this case you will need

to pump the braking pressure to keep from locking the brakes.

Steering

• Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times to be ready to help steer the car if it should lose traction.

• A car may be fighting to maintain traction and can move around as the tire continues to search for grip; so no coffee drinking, cell phone use or other distractions while you drive. A driver needs to help maintain the direction of the car at all times.

• Steering movement should be distributed smoothly- try not to make sudden jerks to the steering wheel.

Pedal inputs

• All inputs applied to both the brake and gas pedal should be done very smoothly and gently.

• Over aggressive input to the gas pedal will force the tires to break traction instantly thus causing the driver to momentarily lose control.

• Applying the brake pressure to aggressively will cause the front brakes to lock up and cause the driver to lose steering control.

Situational Awareness

• Try and be mindful of the cars around you, keep checking your mirrors every 8-10 seconds.

• Do not follow too close behind other vehicles.

• Do not drive in groups on the interstate- leave room all around your car.

• Maintain good visibilities- stop and clear windshield; remove ice build up on wiper blades, clear mirrors, etc.

With these challenging conditions it’s smart to use your head, maintain control and stay patient. Remember road conditions can change very quickly; be prepared to adjust your speed for the different conditions and visibility levels.