We recently had some snowfall that left quite a few people driving in the snow for the first time and not having much experience to drive efficiently in it! With the many accidents that sprung, we at Highway 30 Towing would like to share some tips while driving in the snow to help keep everyone safe on the road this snowy winter season.
Tips for when Driving in Snowy Conditions
1) Slowly accelerate and brake when driving. The optimal method for regaining traction and avoiding skids is applying the gas pedal slowly to accelerate. Trying to get moving in a hurry is one of the worst things you can do. Additionally, when it comes time to break and stop at the appropriate times, it is essential you do so slowly and smoothly. The snow, icy roads takes longer to stop, so make certain you start the breaking a lot earlier than you normally would.
2) Reduce speed when driving. On snow-covered roads, everything takes longer to accomplish. As mentioned, accelerating and stopping takes longer and should be done slowly. It is ideal to reduce your speed 5-10 miles an hour, depending on the severity of the snow fall. Just be sure to give yourself more than enough time to maneuver the roads; breaking, accelerating, merging, and avoiding obstacles are basic examples.
3) Keep safe distances between cars. Where it is customary to follow with a distance of 3-4 seconds in normal conditions, in snow and ice it should be increased to 8-10 seconds. By providing yourself with the longer distance needed if you have to stop, you increased margin of safety will be beneficial.
4) Keep in mind the braking of your vehicle. The best way to stop is threshold breaking, whether or not you have antilock brakes. With steady pressure on the brake pedal applied with firmness with the ball of your foot, keep the heel of your foot on the floor.
5) Only stop when applicable. The amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling is a considerable difference. If you have the opportunity to simply keep rolling subtly before the traffic changes to moving again, always do it. Always stop at red lights, stop signs, and other needs for safety.
6) Avoid powering up hills in snow. Your wheels will keep spinning when you apply extra fuel on snow-covered roads. Prior to reaching the hill, do what you can to gain a little extra inertia and let that push you forward up the hill. Reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible as you approach the crest of the hill.
7) Don’t stop as you go up hills in snow. One of the worst things you can do is stop when you are ascending a hill. Do not let off the momentum until you get flat ground.
8) Stay home. If at all possible, stay inside. If there is no reason drive out in the snow it is better to stay home.
Towing, Roadside Assistance & Cash for Cars in Cassia, Gooding, Jerome & Twin Falls Counties in Magic Valley, Idaho & Jackpot, Northern Nevada
If you are ever in need of a tow or roadside assistance in the Greater Twin Falls, Idaho area, call in the experts of Highway 30 Towing and let our specialists get you on your way!
