Recently, there has been a lot of winter weather, so having knowledge about how to drive in these conditions is important. After all, this is a consistent weather event that will make it harder to drive and create numerous hazards. Here are some strategies (most of which are from driving school curriculum) to deal with these hazards:

Ice

Where there is snow there is likely to be ice. This is likely one of if not the most dangerous hazards that come with winter weather. Even a thin layer of ice on the road makes it much easier to lose control of your car and a thick layer of ice simultaneously makes controlling your car significantly more difficult and creates an effect similar to hydroplaning. If you need to drive on ice try not to make sharp turns, slow down, and stay calm. If you begin sliding off the road, pump the brakes, do not slam them. Slamming on the brakes will do next to nothing to stop the car from sliding off the road whereas pumping them can help slow the slide and make it easier to regain control of the car.

Thick Snow

Another slightly less dangerous hazard that comes with winter weather is thick snow.  Thick snow can create an effect similar to hydroplaning due to it getting packed down and creating a barrier between your tires and the road. Additionally, thick snow can also slow down cars and make it harder to leave parking spaces. Finally, it can hide other hazards such as ice. Drive carefully, treat heavy snow buildup like you would heavy rain, drive slowly and try to pay attention to the road to make sure you don’t hit any thickly packed or icy sections.

Frost Buildup

One smaller hazard that shows up with cold weather is frost buildup on windshields and windows. This problem most often shows up in the morning as frost builds up at night. This buildup can completely obscure views out of the windows and windshield.

It is extremely dangerous to drive with an obscured windshield, make use of your scraper and heating system as much as possible to ensure your windshield is clear, even if this results in being late for something (like school). It’s better to be late than to drive with an obscured windshield.

Obscuring Snowfall

One hazard that is seen less than others is snowfall that obscures your vision. In addition to the obvious hazard of having your vision obscured, this can also create the hazard of thick snow. Again, if possible don’t drive in obscuring snowfall, but if you have to, then use the headlights of other cars to see their location early and follow the instructions for thick snow. 

Snowstorm

Snowstorms are probably the most dangerous hazard that come with winter weather. Because it comes with all the other hazards, every other hazard mentioned so far will likely show up along with this one. If there is a snowstorm then don’t drive in it, nothing is worth the risks that come with driving in this hazard. If you do then the only advice is to find somewhere warm to shelter until it blows over.

Freezing Rain

Lastly is freezing rain, this hazard can obscure vision, cause hydroplaning, and make the roads wet. Ice could also become a hazard in this situation due to the freezing temperature which gives this hazard its name. Approach freezing rain in a similar way to regular rain while also paying attention to avoid potential ice. If a frozen patch of road in encountered follow the instructions on how to deal with ice.