| When driving your car during the winter months, it is | | | | reaction times are slower due to hazardous road |
| very important to understand that operating your car | | | | conditions, being visible to others is critical to your |
| safely is even more important than other times | | | | safety. |
| during the year. Why? Because your car reacts much | | | | Tip #3: Use caution when applying your brakes. |
| differently when presented with snow, ice, and | | | | Never slam your brakes while driving in the snow, ice, |
| slippery roads. What are the tips you need to | | | | or rain. Quite simply, you will slide all over the road |
| remember when driving during these hazardous | | | | due to your tires losing traction. If you live in an area |
| conditions? Here are four tips to keep in mind: | | | | where snow is expected be sure to use snow tires |
| Tip #1: Always drive at a slower speed. | | | | instead of all season tires. They will handle much |
| This may sound overly simple but it is a much | | | | better and if the need to apply brake pressure |
| forgotten tip in the hustle and bustle of modern day | | | | quickly occurs, at least your tires will give you a small |
| life. Most of us are busy with our day to day lives. | | | | edge. |
| Running the kids to school, going to the grocery | | | | Tip #4: Use caution regardless of the type of vehicle |
| store, and commuting to work. What do these things | | | | you drive. |
| have in common? Well, they are things we have to | | | | Many drivers have a false sense of security in the |
| do! And usually, we are running late and try to make | | | | snow, rain, or ice. Who are they? Drivers of four |
| up for it by driving faster. This is a big mistake | | | | wheel drive vehicles, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. |
| because even a small increase in speed will make a | | | | Although these vehicles may be better equipped to |
| big difference on those slippery roads. | | | | handle some situations, the fact is that they are |
| Tip #2: Always drive with your lights on. | | | | heavier and therefore will be much more difficult to |
| Another very simple thing to keep in mind to ensure | | | | stop and control on a wet or snowy surface. |
| your safety while driving your vehicle. Studies have | | | | This winter be sure to remember these important |
| shown that driving with your lights on increases your | | | | tips to ensure that you make it to all of your |
| visibility to other drivers more than ten-fold. When | | | | destinations safely. |