10 Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Conditions

A white winter is beautiful, but it can come with dangerous weather conditions. Winter can be one of the scariest times of the year for people on the road, especially for those traveling. Even those who have been through many cold winters should be careful in poor or dangerous road conditions. Rideshare drivers are unfortunately more susceptible to accidents due to the long hours they spend on the road. Here are our top tips to help you avoid any collisions this winter.

1. Winterize. Make sure your car is ready for the winter by putting properly rated liquids in your car, like windshield washer fluid and antifreeze. It can be very dangerous to be on the road if your liquids freeze. The inability to clear your windshield could be life threatening to you and others on the road. Antifreeze is often split 50/50 with water, which in severe weather can freeze. If this happens, the car shouldn’t be on the road until the antifreeze thaws and can be replaced.
   
   
2. Update Your Brakes. Having the ability to stop quickly is very important for safe driving during the winter.
   
   
3. Check Your Tires. Tires need to be inflated to the proper air pressure. As temperatures lower, the air inside the tires condenses and the pressure lowers. Having a good amount of tread is also necessary in order to have traction on the road in case of inclement weather conditions.
   
   
4. Fuel Up. You never know if or when you could get stuck in a snowbank. Having at least half a tank of fuel at all times could be a lifesaver if you have to wait a few hours for help or a tow.
   
   
5. Stay Warm. Keeping boots, gloves, a hat, and a blanket in the car at all times will keep you warm if you have to hunker down in your car for an extended period of time. Keeping these items in your car could be the difference between keeping your body temperature up and suffering from hypothermia.
   
   
6. Warm The Car Outside. Don’t let your car warm up in a garage or other enclosed space. This allows the exhaust fumes to get trapped in the space and the car, which is very dangerous.
   
   
7. Clear the Exhaust. This can get clogged with snow, ice, or debris. It’s important to keep it clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
   
   
8. Don’t Use Cruise Control. Snow is no match for ice. Ice is one of the most dangerous parts of driving during the winter. Keep your foot on the pedals when you encounter ice. Cruise control should only be used during good weather conditions.
   
   
9. Uphill Driving Tip. If you’re already going uphill, don’t stop. If you stop on a snowy or icy hill, you won’t have the inertia to keep going once stopped. If you are stopped on a hill, don’t try to power up it; you’ll make your wheels spin, and you could get even more stuck.
   
   
10. Following Distance Etiquette. Follow farther than you normally would. Your reaction time doesn’t change, but your car’s reaction time does. More space is safer.
    
    
11. Slow Down! Accelerate and decelerate slower than you normally would. Drive at lower speeds. Driving slowly on bad road conditions is important to maintaining control of the vehicle.
    
    

And finally, remember to stay home when in doubt! Risking your life is not worth the paycheck!