What are some tips for driving safely in the snow?

Answer 1

always turn very slowly. it's the turning that gets most people. keep in mind, inertia will try to keep you going in the same direction. even four wheel drive can't help this.

Answer 2

Make sure that you allow extra distance between the car in front of you because in slick conditions it takes longer to brake. Even if you have four-wheel drive, it takes longer to stop (four-wheel drive has no effect on the stopping traction, only the driving traction). Don't make any sudden stops. If the conditions are really slick, you should also not step hard on the gas when you start to move, but just ease into it. If you accelerate too fast the wheels can slip and you won't go anywhere.

Also, in cold conditions there can be snow and ice on the windows, so make sure that you clear those off and wait for the windshield to defrost, if necessary, so you can have the best possible view.

Kalistrat's advice about what to do in a skid is very good advice. The old wisdom said that you should steer in the direction of the skid because you can regain traction that way. However, if you're sliding in a direction that you don't want to go, you'll be regaining traction in a direction you don't want to go! The new wisdom is to steer in the direction you want to go.

As far as pumping the brakes with ABS, you're not supposed to.

Answer 3

Snow is not as bad as ice. Ice is what you need to be afraid of. In any case, exercising extreme caution is the first thing to do. Then follow some basic rules:
Never gas your car too hard
Never break abruptly
When making turns, try to make them at slow speed. If you start sliding do the following:

Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep your foot on the pedal. If not, pump the pedal gently, pumping more rapidly as your car slows down. Braking hard with non-anti-lock brakes will make the skid worse.

If your front wheels skid:

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

These are some basic instructions you can probably find in most driving manuals.

Finally: pray!

Answer 4

My quess is your part of the country has never had snow and ice? We here in VT have none. We are used to snow and ice. Our schools don't close down. We put chains on the school bus tires. If you are not comfortable driving in snow don't try it . Stay at home. If you have to go out, drive slow! If you find yourself in a slide, take your foot off the gas and do not brake. Steer into the slide. Do not try to steer where you want the vehicle to go. Buckle Up. It's only a car.

Answer 5

I agree w the previous.

Drive w confidence, but don't lapse into complacency when you see someone zipping by at a fast pace.

Eliminate ALL of the things many of us (me included) do while we're driving, you don't need any distractions, even small ones!! Don't hold the wheel in a death grip, but keep both hands on it.

Wheh changing lanes, or turning do it gradually, without any excessive changes of speed.

Brake gradually but w steady pressure, & sooner than usual allowing extra stopping room. Whe stopping at a light, consider leaving a few extra feet between you & the car in front. It just may give you an "out" if someone slides up from behind.

If you feel the wheels lock up while braking, release & reapply them. If in a skid, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid!! It seems to go against all logic, but it's the proper response.

When possible follow in the tracks created by previous traffic in your lane.

MOST IMPORTANT.......3 things

1) Bridges & overpasses DO freeze sooner than other surfaces, be cautious, but don't drive too slowly/

2) Cars going too fast for conditions should be avoided, & going TOO slow is very dangerous too.

3) 4 wheel drive vehicles aren't exempt from going out of control or having traction issues..despite what some drivers think!

4) When the folks on the news say, "Please, unless you absolutely must go out, stay home & let roadcrews do their job" Take it to heart !! you may drive PERFECTLY in snow, & then somebody else makes a poor choice that pulls you into an accident.

Answer 6

Do all the above like going slower and dont slam on your brakes. Turns are the hardest part, so go very slow. Pump your brakes even if you have ABS. It still helps. If you do get into a slide, first of all, DONT PANIC!!! Steer in the direction that you are sliding and if brakes arent stoping you, step on the gas slowly, but firmly and prepare to straighten the car out. By doing this, you gain a chance of taking control of the car. Turn your lights on too. It helps others to see you when snow is falling thick.

Answer 7

Drive slower than usual; allow more time and distance for stopping on snow, slush, or ice; keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you; keep your vehicle cleared off: no snow or ice on the windows, mirrors, trunk, hood, or roof; have your tires properly inflated; check to ensure that your tires have enough tread depth.

Have a cell phone handy if you have one. Also, bring along a blanket; jumper cables, a working flashlight or flares; a winter hat and mittens or gloves; a candy bar; a reflective, fluorescent orange vest; water.

It is also useful to have at least a half a tank of gasoline to prevent the fuel line from freezing and to keep warm if you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Answer 8

drive slower. leave more room to stop. get snow tires. practice ice and snow driving and getting out of skids in an empty parking lot until you are good at them

Answer 9

There is only safety by driving in the snow it is how fast you drive in the snow, how it fast you can put on our brake when there is a accident ,it you drive in the snow always put on your seat belt because that is the only thing that is going to save while you is driving in your car you not have that many serious injuries.it just might be a broken leg or a broken arm or you might break your neck so just drive careful.............

Answer 10

Don't.

Seriously though, just take it easy and don't hotdog it. Don't do anything hard. Don't brake hard, don't steer hard (quick), and don't gas hard. If you are experiencing heavy snow, and your vehicle is not prepared, i.e. chains, 4-wheel-drive, etc, then find a motel and wait it out. Much safer to not be on the road when you don't have to be.

BE SAFE!

Answer 11

If you have a choice of routes pick the flattest one and the one with the least cars. That way you have less chance to lose traction and if you start to skid there won't be a bunch of cars hitting you. The key to avoid skidding is staying at a constant moderate speed and not attempting any jerky motion of the steering wheel.