Dangers of Driving in the Snow

Driving in the snow never used to intimidate me. In fact, when one of my good friends in college confessed he was terrified of driving in the snow and refused to do so even if there was only a couple of flakes, I was mystified. Despite a few close calls, I always used to think I would never get into an accident. In fact, it wasn't even until I moved from upstate NY to Maryland when I got into my first car crash. The reason why? I panicked and forgot the rules of dealing with snow.

Rule #1: Know where you live.

Whether you have lots of snow during the year or barely any snow at all, you need to know what to expect. In upstate NY, everyone is used to the snow. Roads are ploughed often and salt is used in generous amounts. That's why the roads are constantly in need of repairs after the winter season. Driving with two feet of snow around your car is a common occurrence. In the south snow does not happen as often and no one knows how to deal with it. For example, in Maryland it's customary to plough and salt after the fact and snow ploughs wait around for something to do and their reaction time is never immediate. After my accident I was sitting in a police car and on the radio a question was stated: "I need a list of bridges that need immediate salting." Um, hello? I followed someone off the road, 360-ing, three people almost 360ed into the back of our police car WITH us in it and a car up the road ahead of us flipped over onto another car and trapped a woman inside. Half another after the fact they are salting. In these types of states you need to be much more aware of the road conditions.

Rule #2: Bridges.

Bridges are one of most dangerous things to drive on during a storm. They freeze before roads and you should use extra caution when passing over them. Do not break on bridges if you can help it. Even if it is raining and the temperature is just above freezing, be mindful that bridges are probably frozen. Also, remember that some roads that do not have ground on either side of them or just one side of them are also like bridges and will freeze first.

Rule #3: Parking Lots

This also goes along with knowing you location. For example, at the apartment I lived in in upstate NY, the landlady did not have the lot salted. Hence, I had to be super careful when parking my car. Parking lots at stores are safer, but still sometimes tricky. Proceeding with caution is necessary.

Rule #4: Making Turns

It is hard to judge how slow you need to make turns in the snow/ice and easy to loose control. Proceed with caution.

Rule #5: Hills

Have you ever been on a hill and there is a stop sign if you are going down the hill or turning onto the road with a hill? Have you wondered why there is no stop sign for the person driving up the hill? Well, sometimes there is so much snow and ice on the road that it is almost impossible to start again. It is also easier to slide while starting.

If you have to stop on a hill while going up it then make sure to leave enough room for the car in front of you.

Also, you have the more control over your car going up a hill than down a hill. If you are driving on a highway during a snow storm it is best to find an exit where you are either on even ground or driving up for both the exit ramp and entrance ramp.

Rule #6: When you loose control and spin.

If you loose control and start spinning do not press on the breaks! This will only cause you to spin even more. Let go of the breaks and wait for your car to stop spinning before proceeding to go. If you have to you can use your emergency break or E-break to break your spin. It is terrifying to loose control of your car, but very important not to panic! Do not try to steer your car. The less you try to control it the sooner you will be in control again.

Rule #7: Know your tires.

Do you have all weather tires? Snow tires? Or regular tires? Are your tires run out? Brand new? Mine were just rotated and my old ones that were worn out were in the back of the car. When my front tires caught hold of the pavement and I thought we were going to be okay, my back tires spun out and it was game over, I flew into the trees literally. I suggest replacing tires in the winter time rather than waiting. Tires can sometimes make or break an accident.

Rule #8: Changing Lanes

Use caution on high ways when changing lanes. If there is snow on the ground then keep in mind that you will loose traction and might slide. Keep your head and don't force your car by using your gas of breaks: steer to safe ground before picking up speed or slowing down.

Rule #9: Keep your head.

No matter what happens keep your head. Use your best judgment over whether to use your breaks, steer, let go of your control to gain it back, etc.

Drive safely, be patient, and be extra cautious. I wish you all the best of luck driving in this wintry season!