Winter Driving Tips: How to Stay Safe This Season

At Neil Huffman Automotive, we understand that there are many “seasonal hazards” that creep up on the road during the winter months. 

When driving in the winter, you are going to need to have a heightened awareness of both what is going on on the road and with your vehicle. 

In times of inclement weather, it is recommended that you go out only if necessary, so read on for some things to keep in mind when you go out in the road during this winter season. 

Remember the 4 P’s 

Kentucky’s Department of Transportation outlines the 4 P’s to keep in mind:

• Prepare your vehicle – Tire pressure lowers in the winter months because pressure and temperature are closely related. The cold slows air molecules, so they move closer together and take up less space as a result. Check tire tread with the “penny trick”: If Lincoln’s head is fully visible when stuck in the tread, then you need a replacement. 
• Plan your travel – Weather and road conditions can be discovered before you even hit the road by calling 511 in Kentucky (if out of state, call 1-866-737-3767). If you know the area you are driving, think of which roads you would like to avoid in case of sleet or snow. 
• Prevent crashes – You can do this by keeping your headlights on during the dim days, leaving plenty space between you and other cars, and remembering to slow down during a skid and steer where you want to.
• Protect yourself in an emergency – move out of the way of traffic, mark your vehicle for aid with a raised hood or other visible signal such as emergency flashers, and contact the police if you can. 

 

Slow Down, Stop Less, and Be Careful with the Gas Pedal

Getting stuck on an icy road or in snow can be a difficult experience, and you can avoid this by showing greater restraint in your driving habits. 

When people see an icy hill, for example, the instinct is to step on the gas pedal and charge up. However, it is much more effective to ease off the gas and simply let your vehicle glide up the hill, provided you have enough inertia to do so. And slow down at the top, as the way down can be even more tricky. 

The reason to lay off the gas is because ice and snow make it more difficult for your tires to achieve friction on the road, so trying to speed up can actually put you to an unwanted stop. 

For this reason, it is also wise to only stop when you absolutely need to, as trying to gain inertia from a full stop in snow or ice can be a pain. 

Also, stopping can be an occasion for skidding, and when you drive slower overall, you are less likely to run into this problem, as you can ease into stopping much easier. 

Neil Huffman Group Offers the Best Selection of New and Used Vehicles In Kentucky and Southern Indiana 

Looking for a new or used vehicle this winter? Be sure to check out our great selection of cars that we have on offer. 

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