Driving on Snow and Ice

I love the holidays, especially this Christmas season, when for the first time in years all of my children and my first and currently only grandchild will be with my wife and I to celebrate the season!  I’m looking forward to a house buzzing with family activity and cozy togetherness.

Before they begin their journey merrily singing, “Over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go,” I always make a point to remind them to drive safely, especially on the slick and icy roads.  Here are some tips, compliments of Edmunds.com, for safe driving on snow and ice.

The best tip –

• Sometimes it’s best to STAY HOME in the face of really bad weather.  Or at least wait it out until the snowplows have done their work.
• If traveling, don’t hesitate to grab a motel room for the night or remain where you are until the conditions have cleared.  It may be an inconvenience, but much less so than a life threatening accident.

Check your tires. 

• A tire (even a winter tire), requires at least 6/32-inch deep tread to have adequate snow traction.
• If you decide to go with winter tires, get a FULL set.  Putting two winter tires on the front of a front-wheel-drive car will make it prone to spinning out in the snow, and putting two winter tires on the back of a rear-wheel-drive car will make the car difficult to turn in the snow but quick to spin in the dry.
• Unless you live somewhere where winter roads are almost always covered in snow, all-season tires with plenty of tread depth (and good driver discretion) may be adequate.

Electronic Stability Control is a plus.

• When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go. Braking is automatically applied to wheels individually to counter over steer/understeer.
• ESC does you no good if you have worn tires, are taking corners too fast, or are driving 80 mph in a snowstorm.
• All vehicles from 2012 onward come with ESC.

AWD is not a save all.

• The primary role of all-wheel drive is to provide forward traction.  It will get you moving and keep you moving in deep snow, help prevent fishtailing under acceleration, but will not increase your cornering power.
• AWD cannot do anything to help you stop, so don’t let it create a false sense of security.

Make sure you can see and be seen.

• Clean the inside of your windows thoroughly.
• Replace your windshield wipers routinely. Also make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of anti-icing fluid.
• Apply a water-shedding material to the outside.
• Check operation of all lights and make sure your headlights and taillights are clear of snow.

Brake yourself.

• Learn how to properly use antilocking braking systems: Stomp, stay, and steer.
• Stomp on the pedal as if you were trying to snap it off.
• Stay hard on the pedal and smoothly steer around the obstacle.
• Remember that a little bit of steering goes a long way in an emergency.

Learn to catch a skid.

• In a front-tire skid – smoothly release the accelerator, leave your hands where they are, and allow the car to slow down.
• A rear slide takes a lot of practice.  One option is to find a place where you can slide your car without danger or damage the next time it snows.  A speed around 25 mph is plenty to get the feel.

Be prepared.

• There are some winter conditions that can’t be defeated regardless of your driving skill or vehicle preparation.  Carry a sleeping bag and other survival equipment in your car during the winter months to prepare yourself for any situation that may arise.

Excited and ready to take on the winter roads back to Utah safely!

Enjoy the holidays and drive safely this winter!  And for those of you traveling (especially around Colorado), remember to watch out for those deer!  Give us a call here at ALINK Insurance Services today to discuss any of your insurance needs.  We’re your link to security!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!