Winter driving can seem daunting to many people. I remember last year when it snowed in Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio right during rush hour. I even left my home an hour earlier to arrive at work on time. It didn’t happen. It seems like the entire Cincinnati Metro just shuts down when it snows.
I remember on that day and then the following day of seeing numerous minor accidents, major accidents, and abandoned cars on the side of the highways and in the grassy medians on Ronald Reagan/Cross County Highway.
Did you know?
Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement annually.Each year, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on a snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15% happen during snowfall or sleet.
In hopes to help prevent the same results, I’ve decided to share 10 Valuable Winter Driving Tips You Need to Know! In collaboration with the American Heritage Insurance Group team and some minor research, we thought these tips would help Southwest Ohio drivers stay safe just in case of snow.
10 Valuable Winter Driving Tips You Need to Know
- Allow Longer Braking Distances – Since it is a common time for sliding, try to allow extra room between your car and the car in front of you. Even if you don’t think you will slide or slam on your brakes, you can never predict what will happen. It’s better to stay back versus hitting someone’s car or sliding into other cars.
- Check Your Exhaust Pipe – Before you start your vehicle to start defrosting, check your exhaust pipe. If it is blocked by snow or ice, carefully clear the area. A blocked exhaust pipe can feed deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak back into the car.
- Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly – Try to always apply the gas and brake slowly. By taking it slow, you can ensure better traction and it allows for extra room and time to control your vehicle.
- Be Prepared to Correct a Slide – It’s best to understand how to regain control of your vehicle in case you start to slide. If the back end of your vehicle begins sliding, let off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide to help straighten your vehicle.
- Four-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive – Don’t think that by having these systems on your vehicles means you won’t be affected by the elements. These only provide extra traction when accelerating and make no impact when braking or turning.
- Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full – This gives you peace of mind in case you become stuck. It will also allow you to hopefully make it home safely without having to make a stop during inclement weather.
- Do not use cruise control when there is a possibility that you are driving on a slippery surface (wet, ice, sand, etc).
- Stay with Your Vehicle – If you’re snow-bound, don’t leave your vehicle. You could become lost in a winter storm if you leave your vehicle. If you are worried about your car becoming completely covered, tie a piece of cloth to the antenna or highest point on your vehicle. Also, consider lighting road flares to mark where your vehicle is.
- Be Aware of Other Motorists: You can’t control how other drivers act on the road during snowstorms. To help you stay safe, leave extra distance, avoid distractions and be predictable by using signals.
- Stay Home: If you know that the weather is becoming unsafe, just stay home. This is your best bet to avoid any accidents, getting stuck and the overall stress of driving in bad weather.
We’re interested in hearing what tips you have for your fellow Ohio driver! Leave a comment below.
