BOISE – With most of the country in the icy grip of winter, AAA is reminding drivers to slow down and use caution.
“Slick roads can be a recipe for disaster. There are times when it may make sense to postpone an errand until conditions improve,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “If you must get behind the wheel, the safety basics can make all the difference.”
AAA winter driving safety tips
- Check traffic and weather along your route – before you leave home, if possible.
- Clear snow and ice from all windows, headlights, brake lights, and side view mirrors.
- Double or even triple your normal following distance.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas, and stop for a quick break and to top off your car when the tank is half-full.
- Watch for ice on curves, hills, shaded areas of the road, and especially bridges, where cold air can blow above and below the road surface.
- Avoid sudden actions behind the wheel, including sharp turns and sudden acceleration or braking that can result in a loss of traction.
- Dress in layers for freedom of movement behind the wheel.
- Try to maintain slow and steady momentum on hills rather than stopping mid-way on the ascent or descent.
- If you lose traction, continuing steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.
- In the event of a crash, take photos of your vehicle as well as the crash scene (including the road surface), as weather conditions may provide important context.
- Do not pass a snow plow on the right, and never blindly follow your GPS – if a road doesn’t look maintained, seek an alternate route.
- Never use cruise control during inclement weather.
“Before you hit the road, It’s a smart move to consider the skill level of other drivers around you,” Conde said. “Inexperienced drivers might be able to get in some practice handling slippery conditions by driving in a big, empty parking lot.”