By Michael Coppleton, Boston MA
The driving skill required for safe winter road navigation are not vastly different than the skills required for dry pavement. There are some elements of steering and braking that should be altered slightly, but the basic idea is to stay alert, to drive slower than you would normally drive, and to remain focused and in control so that you can react properly if a problem arises.
Another aspect of safe winter driving involves vehicle preparation. Make sure the car is mechanically sound because a breakdown of some key components that would not be much of a problem during dry weather can create all sorts of trouble in cold weather. For example, the heating system is needed to keep the windshield clear, as are good wiper blades. A strong ignition system and starter are required for very cold weather, as an engine is more difficult to turn over when the temperature drops.
Here are some other points to consider to improve the level of your safety on winter roads:
Braking Distance
Any road condition other than a dry road will require a longer braking distance. If it is wet, snow covered, or icy, you will have to account for a longer distance to stop because of the loss of traction experienced by the tires. When the tires lose traction, they will slide along taking the car with them in to unknown dangers. Avoid this phenomenon at all costs by maintaining a slow speed and by braking much sooner than normal. An ideal stop on snowy or icy roads will involve little to no slippage of the tires whatsoever. Anti-lock braking technology has improved the stopping characteristics of automobiles driving on slippery roads over the past several years. Prior to the development of these braking systems, it was common practice to teach a pumping action when braking to minimize slippage. With an anti-lock braking system this technique is no longer needed and it actually has a negative effect on anti-lock braking systems.
Good Tires
If your tires are marginal in the fall, be sure to replace them before winter. Tires are the most important suspension feature you have on your car as they dictate the quality of the connection between your car and the road. Consider a good set of snow tires rather than all season radials if you live in an area that is heavily affected by snow. Snow tires can also be studded with metal studs for enhanced grip on icy roads.
Road Treatments
There are various ways that community road crews treat roads to minimize the dangers posed by ice buildup. The most common methods are the application of sand or salt, and in many cases a combination will be used. Road salt lowers the freezing point of water, which means that ice that exists at 32 degrees will begin to melt when salt is applied to it. Sand is used as an alternative in many areas, especially when the temperature gets too cold. In extreme cold conditions, the effect of salt to melt ice is reduced or eliminated, making conditions difficult to control.
Snow Plow Safety
Municipal snowplows are large, heavy machines that can cause significant damage to anything they hit. Extreme caution should be used when you come across a large road snowplow. You will find that they often straddle the lanes, and can easily cross the centerline due to their size. Give them a wide berth and remember that they are far less maneuverable than your passenger vehicle, and that they have significant blind spots. Be sure to stay safe, seen, and drive slowly when you encounter a snowplow.
Windshield Wipers
Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good working condition, and check them each time you drive to make sure they remain flexible enough to form fit to your window. Otherwise, they will only contact the window in one or two spots, leaving the rest of the window dirty and difficult to see through. Another word of advice, carry an extra set of wipers in your trunk as they are sometimes fragile and can tear or break due to ice buildup.
