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4 Tips To Stay Safe & Sound On The Winter Roads

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Guest Posts

As winter rolls on, the weather conditions are becoming more adverse, yet we still need to get around. For most of us, driving is an essential part of our everyday lives, whether it’s to commute or get to the supermarket for the family.

While it’s best to avoid driving in the snow and ice, sometimes it’s just unavoidable. With this in mind, let’s discuss a few handy tips to stay safe and sound on the winter roads.

1 . Cautious driving 

When its potentially icy and the days are darker, it’s vital to be a more cautious driver than usual. Look carefully at every turn and junction and take extra care to properly alert other drivers as to your next move.

Watch out for pedestrians because it’s much harder to see in the darkness. Ensure to leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front. It can be a great idea to take a defensive driving course, which can help you to become a more cautious driver overall.

Such courses can also allow you to get a reduced price on your car insurance.

2. Driving in snow & ice

When driving in the snow and ice to ensure that you are gentle with your manoeuvers and allow for longer stopping times.

On pulling away, make sure that you come off the clutch slowly and in second gear. If you are tackling a hill,  leave enough space so there’s no stopping mid-way up. When going downhill, avoid the brakes and stick on a low gear.

Generally speaking, use your brakes as gently as you can in the ice and snow. Driving safely in the snow is vital to keep yourself and your passengers out of harm’s way.

  1. Winter emergency kit

Before you embark on a winter journey, you’ll need to check that you’ve got your winter emergency supplies with you.

Take a first aid kit, a de-icer, an ice-scraper, and some extra screen wash. You’ll also want to take some jump-start cables, a torch, and some extra torch batteries.

Take a spare phone charger, extra warm clothes and the number of your break down company.

If you have a folding shovel, take this too just in case! Breakdowns are pretty common in the wintertime, and sometimes you’ll have to wait a little while before help arrives!

  1. Designated drivers

Winter holidays are those times when we have one too many festive drinks (which is all in good fun, of course)!

The problem is, drunk driving accidents around the holidays are all too common. According to the US Department of Transportation, in 2016, 781 people died as a result of drunk-driving crashes in December.

It’s more important than ever to choose designated drivers around the holiday season. Drunk-driving accidents are serious and can result in jail time. In these cases, you’d need to try for bail using companies like A Right Choice Bail Bonds. To keep yourself and others safe, make wise choices this holiday season.

Lastly, when you’re planning an extended road trip, ensure to thoroughly pre-plan your route. Getting organized will alert you to any traffic or weather conditions that could affect your plans.

Jeff Campbell
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