Snow Day Hack: Driving Tips

Don’t panic, people! It’s just snow!

Going to school in the mountains for four years during college, I have braved many a winter road. {Trust me, winding mountain roads are much worse than these.} So in an effort to calm the chaos, I’ve decided to share some of my top tricks for driving in the snow. I hope they help!  

Don’t be lazy, scrape your windshield (and windows, and even you mirrors).
Vision is everything! Being able to clearly see will dramatically decrease your winter driving risks. Scrape your windshield to more easily spot hidden ice on the road and scrape your windows and mirrors for easier turning and merging. It will be cold, but it will be worth it… Plus it will save your windshield wipers!

**Life hack – Don’t have a scraper? Try using a broom dust pan. You may look silly, but it works, I promise! **

It’s not a race, drive slowly.
Driving in icy conditions can be intimidating. Larger, more snow-equipped cars will likely come up behind you and try to hurry you along, but take your time. Slow and steady wins this race.

Stay on the gas {lightly} to keep your traction.
Nine times out of ten when you spot ice or snow on the road, your first instinct will be to hit the brakes, but resist the urge! Instead when you see it, slow down slightly, but keep your foot lightly on the gas. This will increase your traction and will decrease the likelihood of fishtailing or sliding.

Try not to stop.
Momentum is your best friend. So when you are approaching a red light, start breaking extremely early and then slowly keep rolling. In an ideal situation, the light will turn green before you have to completely stop. This will keep you from getting stuck/spinning out when the light turns green.

No sudden movements.
Plan ahead and do everything gradually. Do not slam on your brakes. Your brakes will lock up {or try to anyway} and you will loose traction. There is nothing scarier than coming in too hot, hitting the brakes and just sliding. 

Same thing goes for starting from a stop. Don’t try to pull out quickly in front of other cars. Wait until no one is coming and then take your time.

Know when not to drive.
I am a firm believer in acknowledging your weaknesses. If you know you aren’t confident in driving in winter conditions, just don’t! There’s no shame in staying safe!

I know these tips aren’t much, but hopefully they’ve helped a little. Stay safe, loves!