Winter has arrived and with it, its share of snow and ice, making the roads slippery and dangerous. To avoid increasing the risk of accidents, here are 5 tips to follow for safe driving in the snow.
Adjust your speed and keep your distances
The first rule when it comes to driving on snow is to reduce your speed. On a snowy road, the grip of the tires on the ground is greatly reduced. Driving at an appropriate speed thus allows better anticipation of obstacles and helps maintain control of the vehicle. Opt for a moderate speed, without, however, posing a risk to other road users. Do not hesitate to drop to lower speeds if necessary.
In parallel to this speed reduction, also consider keeping a larger safety distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. With braking distances being extended on a snowy road, it is crucial to give yourself every chance to avoid collisions.
Use your brakes and clutch wisely
Use the engine brake
To slow down on a slippery surface, prioritize the use of the engine brake, i.e. by simply lifting your foot off the accelerator pedal. This allows for a gentle deceleration and ensures better tire grip on the ground than during sudden braking. If you must brake regardless, do so sparingly: do not hesitate to pump several times on the pedal to avoid wheel lockup and thus a potential loss of grip.
Disengage when necessary
If you have to go down a snowy or icy slope, also consider using your clutch pedal. In fact, if your drive wheels suddenly encounter a slippery area, maintaining contact between the engine and the wheels can create an imbalance causing a spin out. Therefore, think about driving at low speed and disengaging the clutch if necessary.
Pay attention to weather conditions and the state of the road
Safe driving on snow requires smooth driving and increased attention to the surroundings. Always keep an eye on the condition of the road ahead, especially when negotiating bends, and take note of signs indicating the presence of slippery or dangerous areas.
Also, keep an eye on weather conditions: if you feel that snow or ice is starting to accumulate, do not hesitate to stop temporarily to clear your headlights, windshield and mirrors. Similarly, make sure that your window heating is working in order to eliminate any fog that could impair your visibility.
Equip yourself with suitable tires and check them regularly
Tires are an essential element in terms of grip, especially on slippery ground. Thus, it is important to have tires suitable for winter conditions, whether they are winter tires or all-season tires. Also consider adjusting the pressure to match that recommended by the manufacturer.
Regularly check the condition of your tires and beware of their wear. Tires in good condition with sufficient tread depth (minimum 4 mm) will ensure better grip on the road and therefore more safety on the road.
Adopt a proactive and foresighted approach
Driving in snow requires maximum concentration and constant anticipation of the situation. Always remain vigilant to the actions of other drivers and adjust your driving accordingly. Depending on the weather conditions, consider possibly changing your route and avoid roads that are not plowed or too dangerous.
Don’t forget to signal your intentions in advance (turn signals, high beams…) and to regularly check your rearview mirrors to keep track of other vehicles’ positions. By adopting a proactive and foresighted driving approach, you will significantly reduce the risks associated with snow and can enjoy your winter journeys in peace.