Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

Sharing is caring!

While the chilly winter months are ideal for indoor activities, the season can actually be a great time to get out and about with the family, if you do it right.

Winter traveling means more chances to snuggle with your loved ones and take in gorgeous, snow-capped scenery. But it also comes with its own unique set of challenges.

Whether you’re taking a holiday trip with a loved one or just hitting up winter shopping sales, here are some tips for staying safe on the road in snowy or icy conditions.

Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

Make Sure Your Vehicle Maintenance is Up to Date

Cold temperatures and winter weather can wreak havoc on your vehicle, so you should be prepared for anything, well in advance if possible. In most urban areas, you won’t need snow tires, but you should check your tire tread before temperatures drop to freezing. Consider replacing tires that are worn beyond 5/32 inches of tread depth.

The transmission is often overlooked in conversations about vehicle maintenance, and that’s a huge mistake when it comes to inclement winter weather. Your transmission should seamlessly switch between gears, without slipping. Experts recommend that every vehicle’s transmission should be serviced every 30,000 miles, or more often if you own an older vehicle.

Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

Use Common Sense When Behind the Wheel

Along with maintenance, roadway safety best practices can go a long way in winter driving conditions. Avoid following other vehicles too closely since you may need to brake suddenly on wet or icy roads, which can cause your vehicle to slip or skid.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers cultivate a keen understanding of how their vehicle handles before hitting the road in inclement winter weather. Wipe dirt, snow, and ice from sensors, mirrors, and windows, and make sure that all of your lights are in working order.

If you have little ones in tow, make sure to also inspect their car seats. Ensure that booster seats are secured properly and that seatbelts haven’t loosened over time.

Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

Think Like a Prepper: Prepare for Every Situation

Keep your vehicle’s gas tank as close to full as possible in case of emergency. If you’re stuck in your vehicle for an extended period of time, you may have to keep the engine running and the heater on. Along with filling your vehicle’s gas tank, you should also consider putting together an emergency kit that’s winter weather specific.

Stock your kit with basic first aid supplies as well as hand warmers, a flashlight or headlamp, a small amount of non-perishable food, and several bottles of water. If you get stranded, your emergency kit may just save your life, or at least keep you from getting dehydrated.  

Speaking of being stranded, what happens if your vehicle is stuck under snowdrift? Vehicles that are buried under snow are at risk of flood and water damage as the snow melts. If your vehicle has been damaged by water or snowmelt, do not try to start it until the electronic components are completely dry, or you’ve talked to your auto insurance company.

Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

Final Thoughts

Anything can happen on snowy and icy roadways, so smart drivers should prepare for the unexpected, especially when little ones are your passengers. Even in major cities with good road maintenance and prompt snow removal, cold weather can compound roadway dangers, especially in icy conditions or when black ice is present. But with a little bit of preparation and vehicle maintenance, winter weather won’t stop you from getting around.

What are your thoughts?  Please share in the comments below. I really would love to know.

Until next time, shine amongst the stars!

‘This post may contain affiliate links’

Guest Post by The Experts at Safer Alarms

If you like what you have read, make sure you don’t miss a single article!
Subscribe Today!

Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t made enough money blogging, look into taking the

Complete Guide to Make Money Blogging for only

($10, … WOW 95% Off for a limited time).

30 thoughts on “Keeping Safe on the Road When the Snow Falls

  1. So true and timely post, sometimes here in Oz we get really bad “black ice” on the roads – it’s so bad you don’t even notice until you’re on the road, and by then it’s too late! Very worthwhile read, thanks for sharing.

  2. We just received 6 inches of snow so this is good timing. Some of these people on the roads are idiots

  3. We don’t have much weather here in Southern California, so I have little experience with driving in snow, rain, anything really. But we’re planning on a road trip to take the kids to see the snow, so this is a great resource for beginner’s like me!

Please share your thoughts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.