Winter Driving Tips from AAA Mid-Atlantic

Road surface condition is the single most important safety factor during a winter weather event, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, which encourages waiting for roads to be cleared before going out.

Once on the road, the AAA Mid-Atlantic provided these tips so drivers and their vehicles can skate through wintry conditions.

• Clean off your car thoroughly; remove all snow and ice before leaving.
• Warm the car up outside the garage.
• Slow down and increase following distances.
• Accelerate and brake slowly because it takes longer to slow down.

If the front wheels skid, look where you want to go and steer that direction. Do not hit the brakes. The front wheels will grasp the road and when traction returns, the vehicle will begin to be steerable again.

If you brake and the wheels lock momentarily due to an antilock brake system, the brake may vibrate against your foot, according to AAA. “This is normal. Just hold the brake pedal down and steer. Pumping the pedal actually works against the system.”