by Craig Nybo

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2008

Each winter, along the freeways of metropolitan Salt Lake City, Utah, the earliest snowstorms wreak havoc. One can drive for 30 minutes along the freeway and see as many as 4 or 5 wrecks. The truth is, this can be avoided if drivers follow a few safety instructions while driving in snow.

The first rule when driving in snow is to simply slow down. The posted speed limit might be 65 miles per hour, but there is a second speed limit: the safety speed limit. This is the speed at which you are comfortable driving in adverse conditions. The key to commuting safely during snow is to never exceed your safety speed limit no matter what. This does not prevent haphazard drivers from blazing by at or beyond freeway speeds. Ignore them. If conditions are treacherous and you feel your safety speed limit is only 30 miles per hour, you should drive no faster than 30 miles per hour.

While driving at slower speeds, it is essential, for the safety of all drivers on the road, to move over to the right lane. This allows faster drivers to pass in the "fast" lane. Don't allow any amount of honking, or obscene gestures faze you from driving at your safety speed limit; your safety is more important than other drivers' egos.

Overconfidence in automotive features is another common mistake while driving in snow. Cars are outfitted with sophisticated machinery to fight against skidding and crashing. Some such features are: all-wheel drive and anti-lock breaks. Though these features go a long way towards safe driving in adverse conditions, they are no substitute for attentive driving.

Skidding on snow can set off all the panic alarms. By skidding, all control over your car is given to the fates. It's easy to react erratically; don't worry, stay calm. Should your car go into a skid, keep your hands on the wheel and relax. Take your foot off the accelerator and, don't slam down the brake petal. If you allow your car to slow gradually, your tires will eventually find traction.

Turns can be difficult in snowy conditions. Your tires might loose their grip and send your car into a skid. A first response might be to throw the wheel back and forth while screaming for mommy; don't do it. Should your car skid during a turn, try to imagine where your tires should be pointed to get you through the turn. As the car fishtails, compensate with the wheel, keeping the tires pointing in exactly the direction you want to go. Let off the gas and allow the car regain traction. Should you need to apply the brakes, ease them down. Try to find a brake zone that slows the car without locking the wheels. Should the wheels lock while braking, let up the brake and ease them back down again. You can only maintain control if your wheels are spinning.

With a few safety precautions-slowing down, keeping your tires pointed in the right direction, and not locking the brakes-you can drive confidently in even the most adverse conditions. There is no need for you to join the early winter storm pileup club. A little attentive driving is all it takes to keep you safe on the road.

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