safety tips

safety tips

Winter can be an especially perilous time to be on the roads. Snow, ice and fog present challenges to drivers that can lead to crashes. Drivers need to adjust their driving for winter road conditions. Statepoint.net offers the following tips:

Slow down. Drivers frequently underestimate how long it takes to brake and how difficult it can be to steer on slippery roads.

Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces. It will diminish your control over the car and reduce your reaction time in the event of a skid.

Bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways, so be alert in cold weather when approaching a bridge.

Many safety technologies can help prevent or reduce the severity of winter-related crashes, including:

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS). You shouldn’t pump the brakes when you have ABS. Just hold them down firmly and look and steer in the direction you want to go.

Traction control. Helps you accelerate without spinning out on slippery surfaces.

Electronic stability control. Your car’s computer helps sense when you may be losing control and can stabilize your car if it begins to veer off your intended path.

Source: National Safety Council, University of Iowa