You need your car to transport you and your family, even during the chilly winter months. However, the roads become dangerous with the constant melting and freezing of slippery ice and water.
Regions that receive a lot of winter precipitation usually try to keep the roads as clear as possible; however, the snow plow cannot always make it to where you need it to be. If you find yourself in treacherous or scary conditions, the first step is to stay calm.
Worrying or getting anxious will only make the situation worse and keep you from making clear and wise decisions. There is a great deal of ways for you to prepare yourself and your vehicle for hazardous weather.
Preparing yourself for icy conditions where you live should start with the purchasing of a four wheel drive vehicle. These types of automobiles will adjust to unsteady roads and conditions better than those with less traction.
Vehicles that have either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive may not be able to recover as easily in times of emergency, or may even exacerbate the situation. When you go to purchase a car, choose wisely and make sure you understand how well it will handle frozen terrain.
Pay attention to the routes and streets that you frequent on your way to school, work, or running errands. Those that have not been salted or are ridden with potholes will be too dangerous to drive on, no matter what type of vehicle you own.
Research the best routes that you can take to get to your desired destinations, or ask advice of friends and family. You can find information online through your local or city website or your town's news broadcasting page.
Often, the local news broadcast tries to provide this information on their programs, in the morning, afternoon, and sometimes evening. There are also a number of different state-sponsored hot lines that provide hourly information regarding road safety and treacherous weather conditions.
If you are already driving on the roads, watch for signs indicating the radio stations that will have broadcast information about storms and snow; there may also be pertinent information provided on electric and automated signs on freeways and roads. The more aware you are of your surroundings, the less of a chance you will accidentally put yourself in a sticky situation.
Most cities and towns also have a number of road signs indicating what you should do in icy situations. Always pay close attention while driving to any indicators that offer advice or counsel on how to drive safely during winter conditions.
Routes that have uphill and downhill sloping will be the most dangerous for you to take; you should avoid them at all costs. They are especially dangerous when you are traveling at high speeds, like on a highway or freeway.
Do your best to avoid bridges, especially ones that are rickety and unsafe; very often, ice and water form more slickly on these structures. Also, even well-built bridges can experience some shifting and altering after years of water and moisture freezing on them.
Bridges that are not built well are most likely to fall apart after this type of wear and tear. Those that have to travel long distances will definitely need to make use of snow tires or spikes.
If you employ these objects, you will have less of a chance of slipping on snow, ice, and salt. However, they should only be used in an emergency or inclement weather type of situation, because they are a more heavy duty option to protection.
If you do ever find yourself slipping on icy roads, your first inclination will most likely be to stomp on the breaks to stop the vehicle. However, this will only exacerbate the situation and make your car slip and slip, possibly into other vehicles.
Instead of doing this, gently tap the breaks for a second or two, and then let go. Repeat this procedure over and over until the car comes to a stop.
While you are doing so, you must turn the wheel and your car into the direction of the slide. You will then cause your car to straighten up and come to a stop.
Driving during winter months can be scary, but if you are prepared, then you can get where you need to safely. Always stay calm and pay close attention to weather conditions before you leave the house.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick is a public safety representative for 25 years and has authored hundreds of articles relating to public safety and safety signs. He has worked in public safety for years promoting safe transportation practices.
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