Icy roads can transform your daily commute into a treacherous journey. This guide addresses driving safely on icy roads.

From Whiteout to White Knuckle: Conquering Icy Roads with Confidence and Safety

Driving is a risk no matter the season or conditions, but that risk increases when roads are icy. It's essential for your safety and the safety of everyone you encounter on the road to understand the importance of winter preparedness before you get behind the wheel. The best way to manage winter driving is to take proactive measures and learn driving techniques that help you navigate slippery conditions.

What can you do to conquer icy roads with confidence?

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Safe winter driving begins with ensuring your vehicle is properly prepared for the challenging conditions. Start by assessing your tire tread and depth. If worn, consider switching to winter tires for improved traction on snow and ice-covered roads.

Regularly check tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended levels to maintain optimal grip. It's essential to keep essential fluids like windshield wiper fluid, and antifreeze topped up to prevent freezing and ensure visibility and engine functionality.

Additionally, equip your vehicle with a winter emergency kit containing blankets, flares, and a first-aid kit to handle unforeseen situations during cold weather. By taking these proactive steps to prepare your vehicle for winter driving, you can enhance safety for yourself and others on the road, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a smoother driving experience in adverse weather conditions.

Planning Your Drive

Sometimes, planning is the best way to avoid problems on the road. It's essential to invest a little time in planning your drive during winter driving conditions. What should you think about before hitting the road?

• Check weather reports and road conditions for your route. Most GPS maps can alert you to backups or slow-going.
• Allow extra time for your trip. You can travel at slower speeds and be prepared for potential delays.
• Plan alternate routes in case of road closures or heavy traffic on your first route.
• Inform people expecting you about your travel plans. Let them know you'll do your best to arrive on time, but you can't control road conditions.

One of the most important keys to safe winter driving is giving yourself enough time to navigate the unexpected. Rushing is never safe on the roads, but it's especially dangerous when the conditions are icy. Not feeling rushed also helps you remain calm and make the smartest choices on the road. Even if it means leaving 30 or 60 or more minutes earlier than you usually would, ensuring you don't need to rush when roads are icy can be the difference between arriving at your destination on time or slightly late versus not arriving at all.

Mastering Winter Driving Techniques

Once you're behind the wheel, you can do plenty of things to ensure safer driving. For example:

• Reduce speed: Slow down to maintain control and reduce the risk of skidding on icy or snow-covered roads. Drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions. This should be the case even if it's below the posted speed limit.
• Increase the following distance: Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances. This gives you more time to react to sudden traffic or road conditions changes.
• Avoid sudden maneuvers: Steer, accelerate, and brake gently to avoid skidding. Abrupt movements can cause loss of traction, especially on slippery surfaces.
• Use smooth braking: Apply the brakes gently and smoothly to prevent locking up the wheels. If your vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal and let the system do its job.
• Maintain control on hills: Approach inclines cautiously, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration or braking. Use lower gears to help control speed when descending hills.
• Watch for black ice: Be especially cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where black ice can form. Black ice is difficult to see and highly slippery, so reduce speed and use extra caution in these areas.
• Stay informed: Pay attention to weather forecasts and road condition updates before traveling. Consider postponing your trip if hazardous conditions or travel advisories are in effect.

Additional Safety Tips

In addition to preparing your car, leaving plenty of time to arrive at your destination, and knowing how to operate a vehicle in winter conditions, there are other things you can do to reduce your risk of mishaps on winter roads.

Use your headlines in low-visibility conditions. Keep your headlights on, even during daylight hours, to increase visibility to other drivers. Use fog lights or low beams in foggy or snowy conditions. Always clear snow and ice from your vehicle's lights before driving.

Avoid distractions. You should always be completely focused on the road, but when driving conditions are slippery, it's more important than ever. Do not use your phone while driving.

Stay alert and focused on the road. This can be a challenge during long drives. Take breaks, stretch out [link to Mending on the Move: Exercises & Stretches for Common Auto Injuries], and ensure you're hydrated and nourished. This is another reason why it's important to leave plenty of time to get where you're going – you can stop when needed.

Know your limitations. For some people, it will be better to seek alternative transportation or postpone their trip if driving conditions aren't safe.

Conclusion

Responsible driving behavior is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others safe [link to The Enduring Impact: Understanding the Psychological Effects of Auto Accidents] on the road when driving during the winter. Adapt your speed to the road conditions. This seems simple enough, but it's surprising how many people assume that a 45- or 55-mph speed limit is safe no matter the road conditions.

Being aware, proactive, and informed can save your life. If you'd like more vehicle maintenance or winter driving tips, check out:

• Winter Driving Tips from the NHTSA
• American Automobile Association (AAA)
• Safe Winter Driving from OSHA
• Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
• Tire and Rubber Association (TRA)

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.