Driving Tips for Winter Road Conditions

January 2012

Well, it feels like it because most people head out into the dark when they leave work in the winter. Did you know that death rates for night time driving are three times higher than daytime driving, according to the National Safety Council.

Perhaps You Drive at Night?

Don't drive if you're too tired and follow these recommended steps from the National Safety Council:

• Use the snow brush to remove any snow that hasn't come off the windshield, hood or headlights.

• Don't drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue.

Driving in the Dark

• Never text and drive. Put your mobile phone in your glove box until you reach your destination or need it for an emergency.

• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances.

• When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beams so you don't distract drivers ahead of you.

Driving in the Dark

• If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.

• If you're too tired to drive, stop and get rest. • Pull off the road as far as possible, if you have car

trouble. Turn on flashers and the dome light. Stay off the roadway and get passengers away from the area.

Driving in the Dark

• Take your foot off the gas pedal

• If you have anti-lock (ABS) brakes, apply them firmly (Otherwise, pump them gently only if you are about to hit something)

• Steer the car into the direction of the skid to straighten out the car (Then steer in the direction you wish to go)

Lose Control? Follow These Steps

While you cannot control everything that other drivers do on the road, you can do your best to be prepared for any situation. Slow down and leave wider spaces between you and other drivers when you encounter bad winter weather and dark conditions.

Practice Regular Maintenance

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