How to prepare for winter driving

Winter driving is a challenge because of the road conditions that come with snow and ice. Yet you can prepare now for winter driving.

Here are tips to get you started.

• Give your vehicle a complete checkup. Make sure the fluids are topped of. Check the tires to ensure that the tread depth is appropriate for driving on snow and other wintry precipitation. Have the battery checked for cold cranking amp suitability. Look at the windshield wipers to double check that they can clear the glass.
• Pack an emergency kit. This should include blankets, nonperishable food, bottles of water, flashlights, flares, batteries, cat litter or sand, jumper cables and any other items that you feel you might need if you become stranded. Add in a snow shovel or travel shovel so you can dig the tailpipe of the car out of the snow if necessary.
• Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. When in a hurry, drivers tend to make decisions that are less safe. Plus, the road conditions might mean that you can’t drive at typical speeds. It is better to arrive late than to drive too fast and end up in a crash.
• Follow the rules of the road. These apply to all trips on the road, no matter what the conditions. When it is snowy or icy, consider the limits of other drivers. For example, give vehicles extra time to get started if they are in front of you. The same is true for stopping distance.
• Review winter precipitation driving protocol. Remember that it will take you longer to stop your vehicle. There is a chance that you will start to slip or slide. If you do start skidding, steer into the skid to try to regain control.

Driving is inherently risky, and there’s always a chance you could be involved in a crash. If that happens, contact an attorney who has experience in this area of the law.