How does one be safe while driving in the snow/snow storm?

Question

please include good safe tips. thank you

Answer 1

Some of the best tips have been put together by FEMA and published on a website.

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_during.shtm

Stay safe and warm this winter.

Answer 2

DO NOT PANIC, always be aware of your surroundings. There are no real answers as every situation is different. Common sense. You can and should use your brakes, Gently applying them and then increasing pressure as needed. If you do begin to slide put your car in nuetral and countersteer against the slide. DO NOT PANIC DO NOT PANIC DO NOT PANIC. AS you are countersteering becareful not to over steer. If you have available an empty parking lot with snow or ice is a good place to learn. Just make sure it is ok with the owner. Also make sure there are no obstuctions that may cause damage or harm to you, your car, or the propery you are on. A little weight in the trunk will help provide tractin. Carefull not to put too much as this can take traction from front wheels. Give your self plenty of time and space. Folks just because you have 4 wheel drive doesnt mean you can drive better than ayone else I see more suvs in ditches than anything else. They only help with traction to get you going, not total control. Good luck and be safe. Remember kids dont panic, be patient.

Answer 3

Weel, you can take advise all day on how to drive safely in ice and snow, just like I can read a book on how to play golf like Tiger Woods. Won't mean a hill of beans until you practice.

I was born and raised in GA. Even though I experienced snow when I was 3, I didn't see my first real snow until I went to work in Indiana in by 20s. I worked for a GM transmission plant. During that time, someone from the plant taught me how to drive a stick. Someone else took me out during the first snow to teach me how to drive in it.

The lessons weren't so much about what to do or what not to do. It was mainly about finding an empty parking lot and learning how the particular car I was driving would react to panic breaking, sharp right and left turns, spinning tires, etc. Best education I ever had.

I now live in the midwest and have for nearly 10 years. Everytime it snows and is icy, I find that empty parking lot and re-familiarize myself with how my car reacts. Now when something weird happens when I hit a patch of ice, I don't end up in the ditch. I just roll right along.

So you want to drive safely in the snow or in a snow storm...PRACTICE!

Answer 4

While driving take your time. Don't break or step on the gas to hard as either can cause you to skid. Also try to avoid deserted roads. You wouldn't want to get stuck in the middle of no where. Also carry a shovel, kitty litter, and extra hat, gloves, and shoes. I got stuck once in some deep snow while wearing my heels. I not only had a hard time trying to shovel the snow from around my tires, my feet were also soaking wet and cold. I always keep snow boots in my trunk with the rest of the items I mentioned.

Answer 5

Well, if it is really bad you probably shouldn't be driving at all.
But, if you must...
Having a vehicle with 4-wheel drive helps.
Drive slow and never press the gas or the brake fast. Leave yourself with time to go and stop. If you don't you'll be skidding and swerving all over the road.
Keep a blanket and other safety items with you in case your car breaks down or has a problem. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 6

Slow down & increase following distance. This allows more distance for stopping.

If the car begins to lose traction & you don't have ABS brakes, you can slow down by dropping into a lower gear.

If you begin to skid, steer into the skid if the car is rear wheel drive, on front wheel drive cars, steer in the direction you want to go.

Turn on your headlights, but DO NOT use the highbeams. This is to make you more visible to other drivers. If you are going significantly slower than other vehicles, use the 4-way flashers.

It can be difficult to accelerate from a complete stop, so try to keep some momentum, especially when going up hills.

Answer 7

Dont drive if you absolutely don't have to. Its not worth it to risk your life but if you have to drive then you make sure you have gloves,hats, boots, heavy coat all with you and a blanket incase you break down. Drive very slowly and don't ever get up on someones bumper or try to pass anyone. Keep at least 3 car distance between you and the person in front of you. If it ever gets to blizzard like conditions the best thing you can do is pull over at a hotel or restuarant and wait to see if it will get better. Try to keep a cool head if you start to skid or feel like you are going to do a 360, dont try and over correct your steering wheel.

Answer 8

Make sure you are dressed for the weather, including hat, heavy gloves or mittens, extra warm socks, warm boots.

Make sure your car always has plenty of gas in it

Carry a First Aid emergency kit in your car

Carry in your car, a snowbrush, warm blanket, bottled water, snacks, food with pull tab lids, plastic spoons/forks, snow shovel, kitty litter (for traction if you get stuck) flares, & know how to use them.

Tell someone where you're going when setting out when the weather is bad & tell them what route you are taking. Your best bet is to stay inside & not venture out when it's so bad. If you have to travel, stay on the main routes, & don't change your course of travel. If your family/friends set out to find you, they will be able to take the course you said you'd be on.

Drive slowly!!!!

Answer 9

Be positive that your tires are snow tires drive at a slower speed, try to avoid driving at night, be positive you can see clearly throw all the windows, keep your eyes on the road and don't talk on the phone or other.. Have your seat belt on! that you need and if it's really bad then just don't drive!

Answer 10

Be alert and look ahead. Drive slowly. Remember the biggest mistake drivers make with chains or without, you cannot stop quickly in the snow! Let the others race by, you will be passing them as they lay in a ditch. Use good judgment and common sense, don't get in a hurry. Good Luck...

Answer 11

1. Drive slow and keep your eyes on the road.
2. Don't become detracted.
3. Try using some chains on your tires for snow.
3. IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO, DON'T DRIVE IN IT.