Ask the Expert: Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice

Temperatures are getting cooler now that fall is in full swing.  And before you know it, winter will be here…along with possible snow and ice.  To get you ready for winter driving, Driving Forward asked Fred Hilliard, NTTA’s workforce safety manager, for tips on safely navigating winter roads. 

“The best advice for driving in bad weather is not to drive at all until the sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination,” said Hilliard. 

NTTA Maintenance crews work 24/7 to keep our roadways safe, but if you find yourself in a slippery situation this winter, please consider these pointers.

Driving Safely on Icy Roads

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.  Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding.  If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn your lights on to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Use lower gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don’t use cruise control on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and less-traveled roads, which will freeze first.  Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Do not pass sanding trucks.  Their drivers have limited visibility, and you are likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Do not assume your vehicle can handle all conditions; even four- and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If the Vehicle’s Rear Wheels Skid

• Take your foot off the gas.
• If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left.  If they are sliding right, steer right.
• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering toward that side.  You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes.  Apply steady pressure to the brakes.  You will feel the brakes pulse – this is normal.

If the Vehicle’s Front Wheels Skid

• Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but do not try to steer immediately.
• As the vehicle slides sideways, your vehicle should begin to slow and traction will return.  As it does, steer in the direction you want to go.  Then put the transmission in “Drive” or release the clutch and accelerate gently.

If a Vehicle Gets Stuck in Snow or on Ice

• Do not spin your wheels.  This will only get your vehicle in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas to ease your vehicle out.
• Pour sand, kitty litter or salt in the path of the wheels to improve traction.