Winter Driving Tips

I just got this info on driving on winter roads in an email from my insurance company.  Reading it I thought that it was sort of a silly list. I mean, it's pretty much common sense.  Then I remembered all those 'kids' who are driving and those students who have moved to colder areas and were not raised driving on ice and snow.  And then there are those people who just don't have much common sense.

Never hurt to remind us all.

Top 10 tactics for driving in snow, ice, freezing rain or fog

Allow at least three times more space between you and the car in front of you.

Drive at a slower, but constant speed. Don't drive so slow that other traffic is forced to pass you—go with the flow of traffic and avoid sudden movements.

Black ice alert: The "crunch" sound of tires on snow fades when you're on dangerous black ice—turn the radio off and listen to the road. It also forms from fog or freezing rain. And it's practically invisible, so be particularly careful on bridges and overpasses, which are colder and freeze earlier.

Use lower gears for better traction, especially on hills.

Never use cruise control in slippery conditions; skidding or hydroplaning may cause you to accelerate.

If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep your foot firmly on the brake when you need to stop on an icy road.

If your car does not have ABS, pump the brake rapidly to keep traction when braking on ice or snow.

If your car starts to skid, don't brake at all. Instead, steer in the direction you want to go, then brake smoothly once the wheels regain control.

In fog, use low-beam headlights or fog lamps if you have them. High beams will reflect off the moisture and impair your visibility.

In heavy fog, slow down and crack your window to hear nearby traffic. Use painted road markings as a guide (if you have a passenger, ask him or her to help watch).

There you have it.  Spring is just around the corner, sort of .  But, until then - drive with care.