Winter Weather: Safe Driving Tips for Snowy Roads

With the potential for a snowy weekend ahead, AAA Northeast is encouraging drivers to be safe on slippery roadways. According to their data, 46 percent of all bad weather-related crashes take place during winter months.

“Snow and sleet can cause significant safety problems by reducing visibility and making it difficult to safely maneuver or stop, but by being vigilant behind the wheel, motorists can help to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities.” said Lloyd Albert, AAA Northeast Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs.

The most dangerous hours for driving are overnight, between 6 pm and 6 am, when visibility is reduced and ice is more likely to form on roads. Avoid driving during these hours if possible. Drivers are encouraged to stay home as much as possible during winter storms to avoid taking unnecessary risks on the road and keep roadways clear for those who absolutely need to be out.

If you do have to drive in winter weather conditions, AAA Northeast provides the following tips for staying safe:

• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Increase your following distance. Allow five to six seconds of following distance between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you. This space allows you time to stop safely if the other driver brakes suddenly.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t pump the brakes.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

In addition, drivers are recommended to always carry an emergency kit in their vehicle, especially during winter months. A properly-stocked emergency kit should contain:

• Mobile phone and car charger
• First-aid kit
• Blankets
• Drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car including pets
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
• Basic toolkit including duct tape and warning devices such as flares or reflectors
• Ice scraper/snow brush
• Jumper cables/jump pack
• Traction aid such as sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter
• Tarp, raincoat and gloves
• Shovel

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