Homewatch CareGivers Cares About Your Safety – Winter Driving Tips

1. From a driving perspective slow down and increase your following distance to a minimum of 6-seconds. Watch for children in residential neighborhoods at bus stops.
2. SLOW DOWN! - Posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads.
3. Stopping distances on snow and ice-covered pavement can increase by as much as four times when compared to dry pavement.
4. When the roads are wet or look wet, watch the vehicle in front of you. If it is not leaving tracks or its wheels are not "throwing" water, it is probably clear ice and not just wet.
5. High winds mixed with the freezing rain and snow will increase the risk of clear ice conditions on roadways.
6. Look well ahead to compensate for the greater distances required when driving on slippery surfaces, focus your attention as far ahead as possible-at least 20 to 30 seconds.
7. Drive with your head lights on. This will turn on your tail lights and allow others to see you almost twice as far away. Being visible will give others time to avoid hitting you.
8. Be especially leery when driving your car into shaded areas and slow your vehicle down when you encounter such areas.
9. Anticipate problems. On slick surfaces, any abrupt maneuver will increase the probability of losing vehicle control. Skids can best be avoided by anticipating lane changes, turns and curves, slowing down in advance, and by making smooth, precise movements of the steering wheel.
10. Stay home when you can if the weather is bad.