The holiday season is finally here! While it’s hard not to focus on the festivities, it’s also important to keep in mind that the holidays also mean more people on the road and hazardous winter conditions. The Department of Transportation reports that roughly 21% of vehicle crashes each year are caused by winter weather. In addition, many people are in a hurry during the holidays—there’s often so much to do in a short period of time, which can contribute to higher stress levels on the road and less patience.
At Signal Garage, we want your holidays to be stress-free and full of cheer! To help you stay safe while driving this season, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.
Check Your Car’s Condition Before Driving
Whether you’re planning a road trip to visit relatives or simply running more errands, it’s best to make sure your car is in good working condition before you head out. Check your fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, and windshield wipers—or schedule an inspection with us. We can also make sure your brakes, battery, exhaust, and cooling system are all working as they should.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Mapping out your route ahead of your drive is a good way to avoid distractions, like checking your phone. It also prevents making wrong turns, doubling back, and other issues that can lead to increased stress levels, abrupt maneuvers, and added time to your holiday travels.
Check the Road Conditions
It’s always a good idea to check the road conditions before heading out, especially if there’s a storm in the forecast. If a travel advisory says it’s not safe to drive, don’t chance it! Wait until the weather improves before you hit the road.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While driving, you should always be aware of where other drivers are on the road and try to anticipate their actions. Look ahead on the road, too, to keep an eye out for hazards like ice, snow, potholes, or impaired drivers.
Rain
Always make sure to give yourself an extra car length between your vehicle and the one in front of you when it’s raining. Following too closely is one of the surest ways to get into an accident! You’ll also want to make sure your wiper blades are working well so you have good visibility. If your blades are streaking or smearing the raindrops, or making a grinding or chattering sound, it’s time to replace them. Also, if your wiper blades are on, your headlights should be, too. Not only will this help increase your visibility—it’s the law!
Fog
Fog can make it difficult to see changing road conditions. Slow down when it’s foggy and give yourself extra space to allow for additional braking time. No matter how foggy it is, avoid using your brights—they’ll reflect back through the fog and make it more difficult to see.
Glare
The sun is lower in the sky during the winter, which causes more glare—especially when driving east in the morning or west in the evening. Glare can make it difficult to see pedestrians, bicycles, and other cars—not to mention traffic lights and road signs. Keep a good pair of sunglasses in your car and make sure to keep your windshield clean.
Snow and Ice
As with rain, always give yourself more distance when driving in the snow or ice; staying 3-4 car lengths away is best. While that may seem excessive, keep in mind that your traction will be much lower and the time it takes to come to a complete stop can be significantly longer. Drive smoothly and avoid sudden, jerky steering, accelerating, and braking, as this can cause your tires to lose their already tenuous traction. Be deliberate, gentle, and gradual as you drive. If you do lose traction and start to skid, don’t panic! Look and (gently) steer where you want your car to go—not the direction your car is heading.
If You Plan to Drink, Don’t Drive
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a hot buttered rum during your holiday celebrations, but if you plan to drink, don’t drive. Assign a designated driver or call a taxi instead. Drinking and driving never mix, but it can be especially dangerous on winter roads. With rain, fog, ice, and snow, you need to be as alert as possible.
The Top 4 Things to Remember
When it comes to driving in winter weather, there’s a lot to keep in mind. However, there are four important things that will always help you and other drivers stay safe—no matter what type of weather you encounter:
- Slow down
- Increase your distance
- Do everything you can to increase your visibility
- Avoid distractions and other things that can impair safe driving
And if you need a winter or pre-trip inspection, maintenance, or repairs, Signal Garage is here to help! Contact us today or request an appointment online. Stay safe and have a wonderful holiday season!