Winter Weather Driving Tips For Winter Weather In NC
Driving on snow and ice can be tricky, especially in areas that don’t get a lot of winter precipitation. Winter weather driving tips are helpful. People in North Carolina and other southern states don’t have to drive very often in frozen precipitation. Snow, sleet, and icy conditions may only occur once or twice if at all during the winter months. Add to that the fact that because these states don’t get a lot of winter precipitation, the cities do not have the heavy snow removal equipment. Snowplows are expensive and so most southern towns and cities do not purchase them since it doesn’t snow much.
Those living in NC don’t get a lot of practice driving in winter weather conditions (unless residents live in Western NC in the mountains). During snow and icy road conditions, some southerners drive very slow and are very cautious. Other drivers are not so cautious. They drive way too fast and make many other dangerous decisions. And having a four-wheel-drive vehicle doesn’t mean you are not at risk for sliding off the road. Four-wheel drive or not, ice on road surfaces is slick. Losing traction is a risk for all types of vehicles when driving on icy roads.
Winter Weather Driving Tips For NC
Here are a few winter weather driving tips for those driving in NC and other southern states.
While Driving:
- Reduce your speed. Drive slower than the actual speed limit.
- increase your following distance to allow more time to stop. Leave 2-3 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
If you start to slide, take your foot off the gas. Do not slam on the brakes, this just makes it worse. Steer your vehicle in the direction of the skid. - Be on the lookout for shady spots, bridges, and overpasses. These surfaces will be the first to freeze and the last to thaw.
When starting or stopping on snowy or icy roads, increase or decrease your speed slowly. This will help the tires to keep traction with the road surface. - Do not use cruise control. Always be in control of the moving vehicle while driving on snow and icy roads. Every second count along with quick reflexes if the vehicle starts to slide or you need to brake.
In case of winter weather, before heading out, be prepared. Follow the tips below to make it safer while in poor winter weather conditions. Also, place in your car the following things just in case you experience problems driving in the snow or ice.
Be Prepared For Winter Weather Conditions
- Use the windshield wipers to keep the front windshield clear.
- Use the window defroster to defrost all windows.
- Turn on the low beam headlights if driving during falling snow or cloudy conditions.
Check your vehicle battery power. Colder air temperatures in winter can cause batteries to drain faster. - Check your tire pressure. The colder air temperatures can cause tire pressures to drop.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. This will prevent moisture from freezing the fuel lines.
Carry a stocked emergency kit. Include a blanket, gloves, hat, ice scraper or brush, flashlight, jumper cables, water, and snacks. - Have in your vehicle items such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow. It will help with traction if you get stuck in a hole or rut.
- First-aid kit (band-aids, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, ace bandage, or medical wrap).
What To Do In An Emergency
In case of an emergency in winter weather conditions do the following to help keep you and everyone else safe. Stay with your car, don’t leave and go too far away. Don’t overexert and tire yourself. Place something bright on the antenna or windows like a bright-colored piece of clothing or towel. Try and keep the interior dome light turned on. To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of deep snow. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm.
While in North Carolina if you are in an accident you can contact State Highway Patrol at *HP which is *47 on a cell phone. For other great tips and information visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Winter Driving.