Safe Driving in the Snow
The snow has already been making its presence known here in Colorado Springs as the official winter season approaches. Some districts have even had a snow day! With this in mind, we wanted to talk about safe driving in the snow on the blog today. As more and more people move to make Colorado home, it’s really important to keep in mind that snow really does make for some major danger on the roads. So ensuring that you’re prepared is really important.
Do a Car Check
Anytime you’re going to be traveling in the winter, always check tire pressure and tread depth, your car battery, and the exhaust system heater and defroster. You can also check the antifreeze and make sure you windshield wipers and blades are working.
Stock Your Car with Emergency Supplies
Make sure you have water and nonperishable food (like granola bars), blankets, a snow shovel, a First Aid kit, a flashlight, etc., in your car at all times. You don’t want to get stuck in a tricky situation with snow without being prepared to sit it out for a while if needed!
Invest in Snow Tires
You may want to invest in some high quality snow tires to make sure that you can navigate the treacherous roads. Snow tires can really help out when the going gets tough. They will need to be put on your car and taken off once the weather warms up again in the spring, though!
Driving Tips
Always give yourself more space between cars in the winter (about twice the normal space you’d usually drive), and never try to maneuver quickly if the weather is snowy or icy. A quick turn or lane change can end in disaster in the snow. Just plan ahead and make sure you have time to get where you’re going. If you do end up skidding, remain calm, take your feet off the brakes, and turn your steering wheel in the direction that the rear of the car is heading. This will help balance out your car and help you regain control.
For more info, check out the Colorado Springs official government site, which has some excellent, highly detailed information.
Good luck out there! And enjoy the snow with these safety tips.