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Winter Driving Tips

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2017 Subaru WinterFest Copper Mountain

Subaru makes its 11th stop on the 2017 WinterFest Tour at Copper Mountain, CO

As the winter season approaches, drivers will experience snow and ice related issues on the road and breakdowns. Severe weather can be frightening and dangerous to drivers and pedestrians alike. For motorists, they should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. It is important for drivers to be cautious while driving in adverse weather conditions, and it is also important to check the weather forecast if you plan on driving long-distance to prepare yourself for any situation that might arise. Here are some tips that can help keep you and your passengers safe during the winter season.

Driving Tips

  • Avoid driving if you are feeling fatigued. To reduce the risks of accidents, it is very important to get the proper amount of rest before taking on the task of driving in the winter.
  • If you normally park in a garage, bring the car out before you attempt to warm it up. Warming up your car in an enclosed area can have severe health risks.
  • Check your tire pressure, and address it immediately if under- or overinflated. Driving on under- or overinflated tires opens the driver up to accidents as the tires have less grip on the road hence less steering control for the driver.
  • Before setting off, make sure your fuel tank is at least half full, that way you can have enough to get out of any situation.
  • Avoid using cruise control on snowy or icy ground. The technology hasn’t developed enough for cruise control to adapt to the changes in the weather.
  • Wear your seat belt every time you get in your car. Because of the unpredictability of the weather, you never know when you might have to make an emergency stop. (This tip applies year-round, not just in the winter.)

Driving Long Distance

  • For long-distance driving, it is important to check the weather before hitting the road. You should also check the route you’ll be taking for closures and other disruptions and find an alternative route if necessary.
  • If it has been a while since your last scheduled maintenance, schedule one before your trip.
  • Knowing the appropriate stopping distance is also important because stopping distance in winter can be longer than in the summer. As a margin of safety, your stopping distance should be increased by 8 to 10 seconds.
  • You should be familiar with your brakes. If you are an experienced driver you should know the sensitivity of your brakes and how to apply them before stopping.
  • Finally, if you don’t absolutely need to drive, don’ Even if you are the most professional of drivers during the winter, it doesn’t mean that everyone else is. You’d be better off taking your chances and watching the snow from indoors.

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