Winter Driving Tips

With roads covered with slippery snow and ice, winter can challenging, even to the most experienced driver. It reduces the amount of traction your tires have, changes the time you have to respond to hazards, and makes your vehicle harder to control.

Nearly 6,000 people are killed in weather-related traffic accidents annually, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Before you venture out into adverse weather, here are seven tips for staying safe on the road in winter conditions.

Winter driving tips:

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have good tread.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
• Take YOUR time! Emphasis on YOUR! There will always be drivers that want to drive faster than they should be. Drive the speed you are comfortable driving.
• Be responsible and don’t touch your phone while behind the wheel.
• Have an emergency kit in the vehicle that includes: gloves, a flashlight, and a blanket in your car.
• Be sure to clean your vehicle off well, including your license plate.
• Have your lights on, at all times!
• Leave early.
• Always test the braking conditions before the first so you know the distance needed for the conditions.
• Give yourself plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.