Drive Safely on Ice and Snow
Three words that bring my ears to attention in regards to driving are snow, ice, and rain. I have never loathed the experience of driving in either of these conditions. Being a lead foot and driving with excessive speed are two things that will get you, the driver, into big trouble when behind the steering wheel of an automobile. With a little common sense you will arrive safely at your destination of choice.
When driving in less than perfect weather conditions your headlights should be in perfect working order. At the beginning and end of winter is a good time to have the adjustments checked on your headlights, as well as a routine maintenance check of your vehicle. Include an oil change, visual inspection of your tires, checks for any leakage from the radiator, and the voltage on your car's battery should be assessed. By making sure your car is in working order before wicked weather strikes will aid in getting you through the challenging months of more than pleasant driving conditions. A handy little item to pack in the trunk of your car is the handy, dandy ice scraper. You never know when you may need that inexpensive piece of equipment.
Should you hit a patch of ice when traveling on a main highway and start to swerve. If your front wheels start to skid, take your foot off of the gas and shift into neutral. Once your car has adjusted to the skid, at this point you can steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go. Should your rear left wheel skid left, turn your steering wheel to the left. Vice-versa for the right side. This may take a little bit of time and patience on your part, but well worth it in the long run. The easiest way to react to skids is to not begin to skid in the first place. By slowing down, pumping your brake pedal, and anticipating the unknown you will limit your chances of facing an uncontrollable skid while driving your car. Remember that when rain starts to fall and the temperature is close to 32 degrees; bridges, ramps, and highway overpasses freeze first. This is where "black ice" can form and send your vehicle into all sorts of chaos on the highway. Anticipate and remain attentive when driving in all types of weather and your journey will be a safe one.
Before you venture out it is always a great idea to check your local weather; as we all know our atmospheric conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Again, a little common sense goes a long way. Are your windshield wipers in good working order? Do you have an emergency road kit in the trunk of your car? Driving in inclement weather can be a positive experience and get you where you need to be. Destination known or unknown, you will arrive safely and know that you will certainly have done everything in your power to arrive safely and on time. What are you waiting for? Check out the items in the trunk of your car and head down the highway for a road trip for the memory books!
