The winter and driving shopping season is right around the
corner. We need to remember that in the winter, with snow and
freezing conditions, our driving tactics need to change.
Accidents will occur on the snow and ice that wouldn't on dry
pavement. This article will cover the important things to
remember and how to drive safely.
The most important
thing that everyone needs to remember is that you cannot stop as
fast on icy or snow covered pavement. You need to drive slower
which will give you more time to slow down. When you need to
come to a stop anywhere give yourself more time by starting to
slow down earlier than usual. When driving behind other vehicles
make sure that you leave a bigger distance between you and the
vehicle in front. This way you will have more time to slow down
and also react to unexpected stops.
Slow down everywhere
and anything that you do. Take turns slower, drive on straight
roads slower and slow down alittle even on slight curves in the
road. Anytime you have to turn that steering wheel ease of the
gas appropiately. You need to be deliberate in all your actions.
Anytime that you need to push on the pedals, gas or brake, do it
easily and steady. When making a turn ease that steering wheel
slowly and don't make fast jerky movements.
Always be
aware of your road conditions. Even when it is not snowing the
road will ice up in places where there is moisture. This will
happen more during the overnight hours when it is colder and
there is no sunlight. Sometimes a spot will look just wet but is
is actually ice, "black ice" as we know it. Be aware of bridges
and overpasses. These road surfaces are always colder and
therefore freezes up first. If you do find yourself on ice just
coast, don't brake or turn the wheel, until you pass over it.
Drive defensively. Always be on the lookout for other motorists
that are making all of the mistakes. Approach intersections
cautiously looking for other skidding vehicles. Keep an eye in
your rear view mirror for vehicles hitting you from behind. Keep
enough distance away from everyone so you don't become part of
their accident.
Even after taking all your precautions
you will eventually find yourself involved in a sliding
situation. When you do, DON'T PANIC! Take your foot of the gas
and don't hit the brakes. You then want to steer your car into
the skid. People always hear that but don't know what to do
anyway. If you are driving straight and the rear of your vehicle
is sliding to the left and the front of the vehicle to the
right, then you need to countersteer your car to the left. If
the car corrects itself then straighten the wheel back out.
Sometimes the car will over correct itself and now it is sliding
the other way. If this happens just countersteer again in the
opposite direction.
Follow these tips and hopefully you
won't become the next accident statistic. People with suv's are
not immune to these rules. Remember not to drink and drive, stay
off of your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt.
About the Author:
Joseph Garrio works in law enforcement and owns his own auction
and shopping website where you can buy or sell items from your
home. Visit it at
http://www.onlineauctionandshopping.com
