Driving Tips for Winter Road Conditions

I grew up in Montana where there are 6 months of winter and snow piled 5 feet hight on either side of the road. Knowing how to drive in snow was imperative and my father instilled some important lessons that saved me from disaster on multiple occasions. I will not be driving my classic mustang this winter but for those of you that will be out and about in the snow here at my top winter driving tips my dad taught me.

CREATE SPACE

Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles on the road. Snowy and icy conditions mean it takes every car on the road more time to come to a complete stop. Give everyone room including yourself.

DON’T RUSH

Reduce your speed and allow more time to get to your destination. There can be spots on the road with black ice that look the same as the dry asphalt. Drive according to what is safe for conditions, which means being more cautious than you would on a clear sunny day.

BRIDGES ARE SLIPPERY

Remember bridges freeze before roads, if there’s a big overpass, it could be slippery even if the road just before it is not. On slippery surfaces be sure to pump your brakes rather than slamming them, especially in old cars and trucks without antilock brakes.

If you are climbing a slippery hill, carry momentum but try to avoid spinning your tires and don’t stop . Steady momentum is the key.

EMERGENCY BAG

Lastly make sure you are prepared. Pack plenty of warm clothes including thermal shirt, pants, coat, gloves, and a hat. Also bring a warm blanket and a road side emergency kit that includes a jumper cables, took kit, flashlight, small shovel, snow scraper, candles, matches, extra oil and a gallon of water.

Safe travels everyone !