Things You'll Need:
- Emergency supplies to stay warm in case you get stuck
- Cell phone to call for help
- A map
- Shovel, scraper and brushes.
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Step 1
Are You Prepared for the Cold?Before winter arrives, your car should be prepared for winter with proper snow tires, anti-freeze and oil to keep it running smoothly. Before you step out, check the weather reports so you can plan your driving accordingly. Inclement weather demands that you leave ten to fifteen minutes earlier if you have to get somewhere on time. Bundle up. A great deal of body heat is lost through the head. Always wear a hat to stay warm.
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Step 2
Tailgating is sure to lead to serious problems if the car ahead of you suddenly hits a patch of ice and swerves out of control. Add an extra car length or two than you would normally do when traveling on the open highway during the warm summer months. A number of collisions are due to tailgating.
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Step 3
Take the wise choice and let the squall passNothing is so important as to get there in a hurry. Being late for work is a forgivable offense under conditions of blowing snow and poor visibility. You may be a safe driver with the best winter tires installed on your car, but that doesn't mean you're immune to spinning out of control. Winter driving demands you drive at less than 10 mph than the posted speed limit and less in white-out conditions. If you can't see what's ahead of you, stop by the side of the road and wait until the squall passes.
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Step 4
Pay attention to the road. Let your other passengers do the talking. Chatting on the cell phone or applying makeup takes the focus off driving and you won't have time to react when your hands are off the wheel. You need to be prepared for any incident. Being attentive means staying awake at the wheel. Don't drive if you haven't had enough sleep or the journey is a long one. Concentrate on your driving. Pay special attention to the other drivers who share the road. Use your peripheral vision to look out for any hazards that might come your way.
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Step 5
Check road rage before it hits the streetIt's easy to get frustrated when the time seems to move faster than your car and you have an important appointment to meet. Impatience leads to mistakes. If you meet someone who has less concern for his safety, give him the right of way. Be courteous and let the other drivers pass you on their frantic drive to meet the coroner. Don't try to compete just to show off your abilities to control your car. Winter driving is no place to vent out road rage so breathe deeply and relax while you drive.
