How to Use Basic Driving Rules to Drive Safely in Winter Weather.

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We all dread it--having to drive on icy, snow-covered, slushy roads. To avoid winter auto accidents, just use the basic driving rules that are commonly ignored.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Common sense

Step1

SLOW DOWN! Snow, ice and slush decrease stopping distance by at least 50%.

Step2

Don't tailgate. Follow the 3 second rule on normal roads. Pick out an object as the car in front of you passes it. Count 1, 1000, 2, 1000, 3, 1000. If you pass the object before your count is complete, you're going too fast. On slick roads, in snow, and in rain, double the 3 second rule.

Step3

Go with the flow. In heavy traffic driving too slowly can turn you into a roadblock. If the driver behind wants to go faster, let them by.

Step4

Use your brakes properly. If you have anti lock brakes, apply them with force and don't let up. Anti lock brakes keep wheels from locking and helps keep your vehicle from skidding. If you don't have anti lock brakes, pump the brake pedal to keep your wheels from locking up.

Tips & Warnings

If you want to really learn to handle winter emergency driving, take a driving class at a driving school with a closed course track. It's expensive, but it may be worth it.
Having four-wheel drive doesn't mean your vehicle can stop any better than standard front or rear wheel drive.
Having too many of the newest safety features on your vehicle can give you a false sense of security. No matter what features you have, you still need to follow basic driving rules to stay safe.