Last month, we discussed a variety of winter safety tips for pedestrians. This time around, let’s focus on another group of people: drivers. When the weather takes a turn, which is sure to happen sooner rather than later, you must understand what this means to you as a driver. Winter weather can lead to harsh road conditions.

Winter Driving Tips

Below are a few driving tips that can help keep you safe this winter:

  • Slow down: If the roads are slippery, maybe due to snow or ice, it is imperative to slow down and take extra caution. The faster you drive the greater chance there is that you will lose traction. Bad road conditions also often mean that other drivers on the road will be going at a slower speed.
  • Avoid the use of cruise control on slippery surfaces: During highway driving, this feature may be one you use often. However, doing so on slippery surfaces is a mistake. You need to be 100% in control of your vehicle at all times. Cruise control is a great feature for summer driving, but not so much in the winter.
  • Regularly check the air in your tires: Overinflated tires, for example, can make it difficult to remain in contact with the roadways, thus increasing the chance of an accident. It can be a hassle to check your tire pressure when the temperature is cold, but it can go a long way in improving your safety.
  • Keep up with preventative maintenance: Vehicle problems with maintenance can be dangerous any time of the year, but they present additional risks during winter. Some tasks, like rotating your tires and keeping up with oil changes, can ensure that your vehicle is in its best condition this winter.
  • Pay close attention to other drivers on the road: They may not be following these same winter driving tips. By avoiding distractions and keeping focus on other drivers, you can respond quickly if they slide or have a hard time coming to a stop.
  • Check the weather before leaving: It is always a good idea to know what you are driving into. Check the weather before leaving so you know what to expect. If the road conditions are too bad or a bad snowstorm is expected during your commute, consider the possibility of staying home.
  • Choose the right tires: Your tires may be more important than you realize when it comes to winter driving. Boston gets a lot of snow, so choosing winter or all-season tires may be beneficial in giving you the traction you need.
  • Pack an emergency kit: No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road, but if you are, an emergency kit will come in handy. Include things like jump cables, an extra phone, a warm pair of clothes, and bottles of water. This is also a good place to include your insurance and roadside contact information.

Before heading out into the winter weather, freshen up on these tips. They may just keep you and your passengers safe.

Know What to Do Following a Winter Accident

It can also be helpful to know what to do if you are involved in an accident. You cannot control how others drive during the winter, but if you are injured, you may have options available.