When cold weather hits, a driver must be aware of weather conditions at all times. Within minutes, a road can become unsafe to drive and a driver must take all precautions to insure their safety, as well as the safety of others.

The first thing a responsible driver should do is make sure their automobile is up for cold weather and slippery conditions. The car should be taken into their mechanic for a complete check before the weather conditions hit to make sure the battery is fully charging, the radiator has antifreeze, the windshield wipers and defrost are in proper working order, and the tires are adequate for winter driving. The driver should continuously check these things to make sure they are in top condition at all times.

If snow or sleet hits and you are on the road, the most important thing to remember is to slow down. All it takes is turn a corner a little fast and your car could be out of control. Another thing to remember is not to slam on the brakes should you go into a skid.
If you do go into a skid, let your foot off the gas and put your car in neutral, if possible. With front-wheel drive, you should avoid trying to steer while in a skid, until your vehicle slows enough to gain traction again.

To be safe, you should always keep emergency equipment in your vehicle. You should have in your trunk a set of jumper cables, spare tire and equipment to change a flat tire, flashlight, flares, and a blanket. During winter months, you should also keep on hand snacks, such as crackers, hand-warmers, and extra-layers of clothing. If you were to go off the road during the winter months, these items may save your life.

During the cold weather months, be aware of the road conditions. Sometimes you may see dark spots on the road. These may be black ice. If it is snowing and slippery, stay off the road if at all possible. Don’t put yourself or anyone else in harms way if you don’t have to. If you have to be on the road during these conditions, go slow and be safe.