If you’ve ever lived somewhere where it snows a ton in the winter, you will understand the dangers of driving in inclement weather. For those people, winter driving means being cautious at all times. In Tucson, you don’t have to worry about driving in snowy conditions, but if you are planning on traveling on the road during winter, you should be aware of the potential dangers. Here are some helpful driving safety tips you should know about before you take that winter road trip.
Before You Travel
· Prepare your vehicle
o Before you leave, you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter road conditions, including rain, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Be sure to check your tires, fluids, window wipers, and all the lights in your vehicle to make sure they are working properly.
· Plan your route
o Check the weather, so you know what type of road conditions you may run into and plan accordingly. Share your travel plans and estimated time of arrival with someone else who isn’t traveling with you so someone knows of your whereabouts.
· Pack a winter preparedness kit
o Make sure you have items that will be handy in case you get stuck somewhere. It’s great to keep them in a box in the trunk. Be sure to include:
§ Blankets
§ Flashlight with extra battery
§ Snow/ice scraper
§ First aid kit
§ Small shovel for snow removal
§ Extra warm clothes
§ First aid kit
§ Snacks
While Traveling
· In inclement weather conditions, drive slower and be cautious of the road. Other drivers may stop abruptly or start sliding at any time. You‘ll want to make sure you have enough time and space to dodge them and slow down if needed. Make sure you know how to control your brakes. You can easily start sliding on ice and snow if you stop too suddenly. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
· If you find yourself driving near a plow, do not try to pass it on a fast-paced road. Stay at least four car lengths behind it and be patient. Snow plows can reduce visibility and when salt is dropped out, it could damage your vehicle.
· Make sure you don’t run low on gas. Sometimes you will need to travel long distances without a gas station in sight, so make sure you are never running near an empty tank.
Driving in the winter can be dangerous if you aren’t aware of the roads and precautions you need to take while driving in bad weather. Having a safe vehicle is also important while traveling anywhere. That’s why it’s important to stop by our service department, get your vehicle checked, and then hop back on the road and travel safely to your destination.
