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Winter Driving Safety Tips

| Winter brings unique weather and travel challenges for those on the road, especially healthcare professionals commuting to provide care for patients. Braving icy roads and unpredictable weather is often a daily reality, and being prepared can make all the difference. This blog will explore essential winter driving safety tips to help you navigate the season confidently and keep you and your patients safe. |

 

Be Prepared: What to include in your winter car emergency kit.


Essentials include: Shovel, phone charger, toolbox, ice scraper, first aid
Essentials include: Shovel, phone charger, toolbox, ice scraper, first aid

Before You Start: Clean your car's external camera lenses and mirrors so you can see what is around you. Warm up the car before you drive it.

Vehicle Preparation: Check your battery and tire pressure ahead of time.

  • As the temperature drops, the battery drops.

  • As the temperature drops, tire pressure drops.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.


 

How to Avoid a Crash:

Here are key tips to help avoid a crash during winter driving:

  • Slow Down: Reduce your speed on icy or snowy roads to maintain better control of your vehicle.

  • Increase Following Distance: Increase following distance to 8 to 10 seconds. Allow extra space between your car and the one in front of you to account for longer stopping distances on slick surfaces.

  • Brake Gently: Apply brakes slowly to avoid skidding; if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, press the pedal firmly without pumping.

  • Avoid Sudden Movements: Make gradual turns and lane changes to reduce the risk of losing traction. If possible, don't stop while going uphill.

  • Use Low Gears: On slippery roads, driving in a lower gear can help improve traction, especially on hills.

  • Know Your Vehicle’s Features: Understand how your vehicle's anti-lock brakes, traction control, and all-wheel drive work in winter conditions.

  • Avoid Cruise Control: Do not use cruise control on icy or wet roads, as it can cause your car to accelerate unexpectedly.

  • Keep Windows Clear: Ensure your windshield, mirrors, and lights are free of snow and ice for maximum visibility.

  • Watch for Black Ice: Be extra cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where ice tends to form.

  • Stay Alert: Keep both hands on the wheel, minimize distractions, and stay focused on the road at all times.


 

Know Your Car's Capabilities:

  • Understand Traction Control: Know how your car's traction control system works and when it activates to prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

  • Familiarize Yourself with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS): Practice how your ABS system feels when engaged—press the brake pedal firmly and avoid pumping it.

  • Check Your Tires: Ensure your tires are winter-ready with adequate tread depth and proper inflation for better grip on icy roads.

  • All-Wheel Drive vs. Front/Rear-Wheel Drive: Know whether your car is equipped with all-wheel drive or a two-wheel drive system and how that affects traction and handling in winter conditions.

  • Use Winter Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid: Equip your car with winter wiper blades and cold-weather windshield washer fluid to maintain clear visibility.

  • Test Your Braking Power: Before heading out, test how your brakes respond on a safe, icy stretch of road to gauge stopping distances.

  • Know Your Vehicle’s Ground Clearance: Be aware of your car’s ability to handle deep snow without damaging the undercarriage.

 

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