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Driving less dangerous in icy circumstances

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We take driving for granted. We do it so frequently that we might not frequently consider the challenges and hazards it calls for in the best of circumstances. But slippery road circumstances make those risks and difficulties even more severe. Even the most experienced drivers have to be reminded of these special difficulties every once in a while. Confidence, too much or too little, can lead to significant outcomes in winter driving. And while it is not possible to eliminate all risks on frozen roads, keeping these simple suggestions in mind at all times may help minimize them. You'll feel safer if you follow these recommendations.
Count on the worse

Make sure you care is ready for winter. Install winter or all-season tires, inflated to the proper pressure. Check your antifreeze. Make sure it is all in there. It is probably time to replace your wiper blades. Make sure you've enough windshield fluid in there too. Make sure there are sand bags in the automobile for weight if it has rear wheel drive. They're great in suit you get stuck. They'll help get you out of that mess.

You might want to prepare for emergencies while doing all of this. Make sure you keep with you a first aid kit, batteries, flashlights and blankets. Make sure your mobile phone is always charged. Having it charged is a massive advantage.

Don’t drive as fast

Several people forget this even though it is necessary for everyone. It is necessary. Do it as much as possible. You may be saved with this one technique. It helps a lot when you're on unpredictable surfaces and slick streets. You won’t skid or slide if you're going slower. It is also easier to react to sliding or skidding if you're going slowly.

Driving too fast is the number one trigger of accidents in winter circumstances.

Don’t get too close to other automobiles

When you're in winter circumstances, it becomes even more important that you don’t tailgate the car in front of you.

Snowplows can be hard to pass

Most snow plows don’t have a lot of visibility. Until it is secure or they them over, you need to stay behind them.

Do not use cruise control

Cruise control is designed to keep the same speed, meaning it will start to speed up after you skid in order to keep the speed up. At that point, you've little or no time to react and will likely lose control of the car.

Do not rely on four-wheel drive

All-wheel-drive cars can breed over-confidence. Remember, they don't stop or steer any better on ice than two-wheel drive cars.

What to do when skidding

A lot of people logically assume that skidding could be prevented with a change in the wheel. This would be done by cranking the wheel the opposite direction of the skid. The best bet is going to be to steer in the direction of the skid. That will be the very best way to get out of it. You'll end up sending the automobile out of control if you steer away from the skid.

Sources

Edumnds: http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-drive-in-the-snow.html

WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/

AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/article/5-winter-driving-tips/

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