Whether you’ve flown into a territory of ice and snow from one of sunshine and fluffy clouds, recently moved and are facing your first winter or you’re on a road trip through frozen mountains its important to take the weather into account.

Driving in the snow is nothing like driving in clear conditions, and still significantly different from driving in the rain. These tips should help you stay safe during severe weather, but always stay mindful and cautious. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in the snow, stay in and wait for things to clear. Don’t overestimate your need to go out.

Before you leave:

• If you are leaving on a long trip or crossing barren country be sure that somebody on the other end of your trip knows that you’re coming and when to expect you. Also give them the route that you are taking. This way if you do break down people will know when and where to send any help. It’s a myth that they can’t stop looking for you until you’re missing for more than twenty-four hours.
• When traveling long distances through severe weather make sure you have safety equipment and extra gas in the car. A blanket, flashlight, chains, gloves, hat, food and water are all things to have handy even if you’re only stranded for an hour or two.
• If you are going on a long trip check the weather report. If it’s looking particularly bad stay in or direct your trip around the bad spot. A snowstorm may not be the death sentence it was when our ancestors were traveling across the country in covered wagons, but that doesn’t make them insignificant.

While you’re driving:

• Always steer and look where you are driving. This may seem simple, but it’s easy to take a casual attitude towards driving too far. Not only are you on a slippery surface, but so is everybody you are driving with. Pay attention.
• In a similar vein, listen to what your car is telling you. Are your tire losing traction? Are you sliding around? Are the brakes working properly?
• Slow down everything. Accelerate slower. Stop slower. Steer slower. Accelerating too quickly is an easy way to lose traction and get your wheels spinning wildly. Everything takes longer in the snow.
• Don’t lock up your brakes. Even if you have ABS keep from applying full pressure and engaging them. When your brakes lock up they slide, and you lose traction. If you do lose traction a small burst of gas will engage the wheels with the road again.
• Give yourself extra space between you and other vehicles. Stopping will take longer and emergency maneuvers will be far more dangerous. If you don’t usually give much heed to how much space you have between you and your fellow drivers, now is the time to start.

Keep these winter driving tips in mind and be careful on the road. Think and be aware of how you drive and why you drive when there are snow and ice on the road. Sometimes the best thing you can do is not drive and wait for things to pass. Consider whether you really need to go out when things look bad. Take it slow and keep your eyes open.

Author Bio

Brandon Everts is an insurance consultant and contributes content to getinsurancequotes.ca. Check out their handy guide for winter driving tips.