Ice and Snow Driving

Ice and snow driving safety tips: winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. During frigid months, it is important to prepare yourself – and your vehicle – for any situation you may encounter. Whether it is ensuring that your vehicle has the proper tires for rough conditions or just slowing down in general, the following ice and snow driving safety tips may just come in handy. If you must be out on the roads, please be safe, be prepared and be aware.

Ice and Snow Driving – Be Prepared

Slow down when driving in ice and snow. It is much harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. Always remember that you are not the only one on the road. Avoid hard breaks and never speed into turns. Drivers should work to give snowplows, large trucks, and emergency vehicles even more space than normal.

Also, at the beginning of declining temperatures, drivers should ensure that they have the proper tires for ice and snow driving. Items such as tires, batteries, brakes, and headlights should all be inspected when driving in ice and snow. Further, drivers should check that they have de-icing windshield wiper fluid, as well as new wiper blades.

Lastly, be prepared for any ice and snow driving emergency. The temperatures during winter can drop to a staggering -40° F. If you are stranded in these temperatures it is of paramount importance that you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Items such as jumper cables, tow straps and flashlights are a definite must. Also, all vehicles should have extra blankets and water, as well as both tool and first aid kits.

If You Drive In Ice And Snow

Many experts, including those with AAA, advise drivers to be out on the roads only if absolutely necessary. If you must drive in ice and snow, never leave without at least a half tank of gas. Drivers should always avoid using cruise control or cellular devices – stay alert.

In an ice and snow driving emergency, whether it be an accident, or your car has stalled on the road, remember to stay calm. Call 911, AAA, or a tow truck. Also, you should stay with your car, try not to overexert yourself and stay warm. Next, if you have any reflectors or hazard lights, ensure they are visible to passing driver. Finally, be very mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning; check that your exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions and avoid running your car for long periods of time with the windows up.

Pass Safely When Driving In Ice And Snow

It is best not to pass when driving in ice and snow. If you must pass, do so safely. Never pass on the right side. Pass slowly and in a safe passing zone. The driver you are passing – while driving in ice and snow – may have difficulty seeing and may not be aware that you are passing until you are in front of their vehicle. Leave extra space when passing to accommodate for slippery conditions and low visibility.

Snow Plows

Ice and snow driving is a constant during the Alaskan winters but may contribute to unsafe road conditions. As snow and ice builds up on the roads, snow removal becomes a priority. Snowplows are used for snow removal and make Alaskan roads safer for everyone. There are a few things to know however when sharing the roads with snowplows.

Practice Patience When Driving In Ice and Snow

Snowplows travel at slow speeds to do their job properly. It is important to be patient when following a snowplow to ensure you do not cause or get into an accident. When driving in ice and snow, allow yourself extra time to arrive at your destination just in case roads are being plowed on your travel path. Leave a safe distance between you and the snowplow to accommodate for sudden stops, snow buildup and other unexpected issues. Snow clouds may form behind the snowplow and impair your visibility.

Pay Attention

Snowplow drivers have difficulty seeing and need to drive slowly to ensure they do not wreck into someone or something else. It is up to you to pay attention to the surroundings. Snowplows focus on pushing snow to the right side of the road, making passing on the right incredibly dangerous. Pass slowly and in a safe passing zone. Plows can sometimes hit drifts or other things buried in the snow and move sideways, causing concerns.

Snow builds up around the snowplow and can cause accidents for distracted or impatient drivers. Remember that snowplows remove snow on the roads but may leave the roads still slick from ice buildup under the snow. Stay especially cautious of ice on bridges and overpasses.

Snowplows are very important to ice and snow driving safety but do require patience on the roads. Many accidents each year involve snowplows. Please be a responsible driver, watch for these vehicles and exercise caution.

All in all, if you must be out on the roads, please be safe, be prepared and be aware. This piece on Driving In Ice and Snow is the fifth of a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Keeping Kids Safe and Warm; Heating Your Home; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Snowmachine Safety; Removing Ice and Snow Safely; and Surviving Extreme Cold.

Johnson & Associates has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson & Associates to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: AAA; TerraCare Associates

Image Source: Alaska Public Media