Winter driving 1 of 2

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

A vehicle driving on snow/icy roads.

Winter weather can be unpredictable in Wyoming. When winter storms occur, the condition of local roads and highways can get very bad. While most drivers believe that they are skilled in driving on winter roads, many are not familiar with the fundamentals of driving in slick conditions. Here are some tips on how to drive safely when the roads are slick.

Driving in the snow:

- Stay home, if possible: Simply avoid getting on the road in bad weather, unless it is absolutely necessary.

- Drive slowly: Reduce your speed during slick conditions. It will help maintain traction on snow or ice.

- Accelerate and decelerate slowly: Push down on the throttle and brake pedals slowly to maintain traction, and avoid skids or spin-outs. Allow yourself more time and distance to slow down or stop on slick roads.

- Control your brakes: Even if you have an anti-lock brakes, you should keep your heel planted on the floorboard, and the ball of your foot on the pedal.

- Don’t stop if you can avoid it: If you can go slow up to a red light instead of completely stopping, it is safer. It requires more power to start moving from a full stop versus a slow crawl, and increases your likelihood of breaking traction.

- Don’t “power” up slick hills: If you apply too much throttle on a slick hill, your wheels may start to spin out. Build the inertia on dry land before going up a hill.