With colder weather bringing plunging temperatures, ice and snow to roadways, safety experts are reminding drivers to use extra caution and preparation for winter travel.
The global car rental comparison site Discover-Cars.com released a list of tips designed to make driving in adverse conditions less stressful, emphasizing the need for advanced checks and careful vehicle operation.
Key Safety Tips:
• Check Route and Conditions: Before starting a journey, drivers should check weather conditions and travel disruptions along the route to avoid getting caught in heavy storms or snow.
• Reduce Speed and Increase Distance: The most crucial advice for driving on snow or ice is to slow down. Drivers should maintain a sturdy grip on the steering wheel, proceed at a slow and steady pace, and increase the stopping distance from the vehicle ahead. For manual transmission vehicles, shifting to a higher gear offers more control.
• Navigate Skids and Bends: When approaching a bend, drivers should brake before turning the wheel. If the car loses grip, drivers should not panic, but take their foot off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction they want the car to go. If the car skids, steer into the skid—if the back slides left, steer left—without braking hard.
• Tire Tread Check: Drivers must inspect their tires before setting out. Worn tires reduce road grip, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. While the minimum legal tread requirement for steer tires is 2/32 of an inch in most U.S. states, compliance rules vary, especially for road trips.
• Emergency Kit: An essential breakdown kit for winter months should include jump leads, an ice scraper, and a first aid kit with supplies for minor injuries.
Watch for Winter Fines Drivers should also be aware of fines related to vehicle conditions. In the U.S., penalties can range from $25 for driving a vehicle covered in snow.
Fines increase substantially, up to $1,500 in some areas, if snow or ice detached from the vehicle causes property damage, injury or death.
“Driving in the winter months can sometimes be stressful, especially for new drivers or when you’re driving somewhere abroad,” said Aleksandrs Buraks, Head of Growth at DiscoverCars. com. “Remember to prep your car before setting off, ensuring your windshield is free of frost and your tires are in good condition.”
Buraks also advised those renting a car for winter vacations to check the specific requirements for the state or country they are visiting, as some jurisdictions require winter tires and snow chains for maximum safety.
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