Safety Share: Snow Driving

It’s storm season in northern Nevada, meaning roads will be messy and more difficult to drive on. Here are five tips on how to stay safe in the snow.

Accelerate & Drive Slowly

Snow makes it harder for tires to gain traction on the road. If your vehicle is at a complete stop, even accelerating at the rate you would in regular weather conditions can cause your tires to spin out. Slow acceleration allows tires to gain traction and help you get on your way.

Once moving, drive slower than the posted speed limit to avoid losing control and give yourself more time to react should something unexpected happen in front of you.

Brake Carefully

Slamming the breaks in a skidding car only makes the situation worse. Your tires will come to a complete stop, but will also lose all traction with the road, causing the vehicle to continue sliding. Let off the accelerator if you feel like you’re losing control of your vehicle, which will gradually slow the car down and allow the tires to regain traction.

Give Space

Tailgating is never a safe driving habit, but it becomes especially dangerous in the snow. Give the car in front of you at least 8-10 seconds of space, allowing yourself enough time to react in the event you need to make a sudden stop.

4×4 & All Wheel: Helpful but not Invincible

4X4 and all wheel drive equipped vehicles do make it easier to accelerate in bad weather, but they aren’t designed to assist in handling or breaking in the snow and ice. Like any other vehicle on the road, reduce your speed and give cars in front of you plenty of space.

Do You Really Need to Go?

Sometimes the safest move in bad weather is to avoid leaving in the first place. Just because you can drive in the snow doesn’t mean everyone else on the road can. Stay home, enjoy the snow, and only hit the road if you absolutely have to.