by Patrick Sills

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: August 06, 2011

Driving in winter weather conditions takes a special skill, and if you live anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon line, it is essential to be educated in the ways of safely accomplishing this task. Unlike a clear, dry pavement found on a warm, sunny day, the season of winter in northern regions will bring snow, ice, or a combination of both beneath your wheels. As a consequence, the manner in which you drive must be changed.

The first thing a driver must do is slow down. Posted speed limits are designed to be observed only in optimum weather; in daylight and on a dry, clear road surface. When roads are covered with snow and/or ice, you need more stopping distance; not only to avoid an accident with the car in front of you, but also to ensure that you can stop at that upcoming intersection. When roads are obstructed with snow or ice, they will be slippery, and you will have less control over your vehicle. If you begin to slide, turn your steering wheel in the direction of the slide. At first thought, this may not seem logical, but what happens when turning in the opposite direction of a slide is a more pronounced tailspin and hence a greater chance of ending up in a ditch. Most cars today have anti-lock brakes as standard equipment. These types of brakes are engineered not to lock up when a driver panics and slams on them. They instead pump repetitively until the vehicle comes to a stop. Optional Electronic Stabilization further keeps the car on a straight path should it go into a skid. If you drive an older model not equipped with these features, then you must pump the brakes yourself to reduce sliding.

By far, the worst weather condition a driver can find him/herself in is freezing rain. The road will be coated with a film of solid ice and it becomes extremely hazardous to negotiate. Many people mistakenly believe that 4-wheel or all-wheel drive will negate these dangers, but when you are dealing with a glazed ice surface, the increased number of wheels on your drivetrain will be of little if any help. You will still slide uncontrollably. Quite frankly, driving in freezing rain should be avoided altogether, but if it must be done, it is prudent to do so very slowly. Similarly, some people feel invincible in trucks or SUV's. Because of their higher center of gravity, these types of vehicles are actually more likely to flip if the driver loses control.

Some items will come in handy and should be placed aboard any vehicle set to travel in winter driving conditions.

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