As sleet, ice, rain and snow come down in New York, you may become wary of being out on the roads. With so much congestion already on the roadways, the addition of slick ice and snow, poor visibility and other issues could result in a crash.
It’s true that winter is here, but that doesn’t mean that you should have to risk getting into an auto accident. While the roads are going to be more dangerous, there are steps you can take to stay safe behind the wheel.
Winter weather driving tips
There are several winter weather driving tips that you should use. Here are the top five.
- If you’re unfamiliar with winter driving, take it slow
To start with, if you’re not familiar with driving in the ice and snow, you need to slow down. Driving slowly will allow you more time to break and make safe turns, even if your vehicle begins to slip or slide.
- Get the right tires for your vehicle
The next tip is to get the right tires for your vehicle. Winter-weather tires have better tread and are designed to work on ice and snow. This makes it more likely that your vehicle will stay on the road.
- Check your windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid
Before you go out, make sure your windshield wipers and fluids are all set. If the windshield wipers aren’t working well, replace them. You need to be able to see out of your vehicle at all times when driving.
- Be prepared for a collision
Another good tip is to be prepared for a crash. Know where your hazard lights are. Have a first-aid kit in your vehicle.
- Don’t overexert yourself
Finally, don’t overexert yourself. If you’re tired or unwell, don’t get behind the wheel. Drowsiness or illness could lead to a crash when you’re driving in unfamiliar conditions.
These are five tips to help you drive safely this winter. Make sure to check the weather before you go out, and be prepared to give yourself more time to get to your destination safely.