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You are here: Home / CELEBRATE / 10 Tips for Safer Winter Driving

January 17, 2020 By Cyn Gagen 15 Comments

10 Tips for Safer Winter Driving

Filed Under: CELEBRATE, LEARN, Winter Tagged With: safe winter driving

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We haven’t really had any snow yet this year. There were a few flakes here and there but nothing that stuck to the roads or anything. But living in Canada, I know it’s inevitable. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for safer winter driving. After all, a safe winter is a happy winter.

You might think these tips are “too much work” but take it from someone whose life was changed because of a car accident – it’s all worth it. A few minutes now to safeguard yourself, your family, and others on the road can mean so much more in the long run.

safer winter driving

10 Tips for Safer Winter Driving 

1. Slow down, slow down, slow down. Many of the accidents I see out my front window (I live on a super busy street!) and hear about on the news could have been prevented if people had simply adjusted their driving for the weather.

No, you can’t continue to drive as fast or follow other cars as closely as you usually do. You need to have extra time to react when road conditions or visibility are poor. This means you need to allow extra time for getting where you need to go!

2. Get snow tires! From the research I’ve seen, the second biggest reason for winter car accidents (collisions or going off into a ditch) is not having snow tires.

All seasons really aren’t sufficient under winter conditions. I can’t tell you how many times people’s cars get stuck and fishtail off into the side of the road in front of my house because they are relying on all seasons.

3. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Tire inflation will vary according to the temperature (so, for example, parking in a warm garage and then driving out in the cold can cause changes in your tire pressure). You need to check them regularly especially in winter – I do it at least every 2 weeks in full on winter weather.

4. Check your vehicle’s fluid levels.  Make sure you’ve got the right kind of windshield washer fluid for winter. It can be downright scary to be driving on the highway and have the big truck in front of you spray your windshield with dirty snow and ice and not be able to properly clean it off.

5. Look at your windshield wipers and make sure the blades are in good shape. If they’re cracked or looking worn, you should probably just go ahead and replace them now. Again, it’s not good to be on the road and have them fail you then.

safety tips for winter driving

6. Try to keep your car topped up with gas. You don’t want to run out on a cold snowy road in the middle of nowhere.

7. Clear your car of snow as thoroughly as you possibly can. It is not safe to simply clear enough space for you to see. You also need to clear as much snow as you can from the hood, the roof of the car, and the bumpers.

If you don’t, as you travel and your car warms up, large pieces of snow/ice can come flying off your vehicle and obstruct your vision or that of other drivers.

8. Be extra careful about pulling out into traffic or in a parking lot where there may be large snow bank blocking your view. Please remember to also watch for pedestrians (especially children who tend to be shorter than adults) in these areas.

9. Have a pair of sunglasses handy in your car. The glare from the snow can really strain your eyes and make it tough to see.

10. Make sure you have your phone with you and that it’s charged. It’s a great idea to carry a car charger with you as well so that you can call for help if you need it. Please please please do not use it while driving.

winter driving safety tips

One extra tip: along with protecting yourself and your family with good automobile insurance and these 10 winter car safety tips, it’s important to carry along a fully stocked emergency kit in your car, just in case. 

What to Put into a Car Emergency Kit

Take it from someone who has been in a serious life-altering car accident before – all of this is definitely worth it. 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marcie W. says

    November 12, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    These are all wonderful suggestions for driving during the winter. I actually need new wiper blades and appreciate the reminder.

    Reply
  2. Liz Mays says

    November 12, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    This is good advice. The rules of the road really change when there is snow and ice . You can’t be too careful!

    Reply
  3. Brandy says

    November 12, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    These are some great tips for safer winter driving. It’s that time of the year now when winter weather will hit us and begin to make driving more difficult. I know I can always use some tips to be safer when driving in the winter weather.

    Reply
  4. Krystel | Travel on a Budget says

    November 12, 2018 at 6:02 pm

    Slowing down is so important. I’ve hydroplaned on snow so many times and it’s the worse. So dangerous

    Reply
  5. Amy says

    November 12, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    I hate driving in the snow sooo much! Here in New England it is a must but it can be so scary!!!

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    November 12, 2018 at 7:20 pm

    I hate driving in the snow sooo much! Here in New England it is a must but it can be so scary when the car slips!

    Reply
  7. Kathy says

    November 12, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    Those are great tips. I live in Wisconsin, so I know exactly how the roads get. It can get pretty nasty around here too.

    Reply
  8. Stephanie Pass says

    November 13, 2018 at 1:22 am

    I know absolutely nothing about driving in winter. Down here in Texas we get practically no snow, but when we do, everyone kinda freaks out because we don’t know what to do, lol.

    Reply
    • Cyn Gagen says

      November 13, 2018 at 7:06 pm

      I lived in Arkansas for 4 years. I remember those days well! PS – the day after I wrote this post, we got snow. Because of course we did. LOL

      Reply
  9. Gervin Khan says

    November 13, 2018 at 1:26 am

    I love driving a lot even in a winter days and these are useful tips not only for me but also to others. Everything you said are so important so I will follow all of these, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Catalina says

    November 13, 2018 at 4:03 am

    Thank you for these tips. They are easy to follow, but so important! Everybody should drive safe, even with the snow outside!

    Reply
  11. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    November 13, 2018 at 4:27 am

    These are really great points! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    November 13, 2018 at 7:06 am

    We have snow coming this week so I really need to get those fluid levels checked in my car!

    Reply
  13. Rachel says

    November 13, 2018 at 7:34 am

    I am going to need to get new wiper blades before winter. I am also getting ready to prep the garage so I can park inside.

    Reply
  14. Kyra Rodriguez says

    November 28, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    Gotta do all these tips, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Thanks for sharing this xxx

    Reply

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