Minimize the dangers of wintertime driving
Driving in the snow happens to be one of my least favorite activities, but it's hard to avoid in North Idaho. So, I've compiled a little list of tips for winter driving. Whether you're a recent Californian transplant, or were born and raised in Sandpoint, winter road conditions can be dangerous.
The first rule of thumb for wintertime driving is not to get out and drive unless you have to. However, this might be unrealistic for many of us who have to get to work or get our children to school, or simply get some supplies at the supermarket. There are tips that might help us get to and from our destinations safely and with a minimum amount of hassle.
If you live outside of town, then you know just how unpredictable winter roads in North Idaho can be. Main roads and highways are usually plowed and sanded first, so sticking to those routes might minimize travel difficulty.
Just because a road has been plowed, though, does not mean that it is safe. Layers of ice can be hiding on the road surface to make both starting and stopping your vehicle difficult. The best course of action in winter conditions is to reduce your speed. This might mean planning for extra travel time, but avoiding an accident is worth a few more minutes on the road.
Increasing your following distance is another key to successful winter driving. Though the car in front of you may be going slower than you'd like, it is never a good idea to tailgate. Icy conditions may not allow you to stop in time and you could hit the person in front of you or lose control completely.
Though clearing the ice and snow from your vehicle in the morning may be a cold, miserable chore, it is a necessary one. Make sure that all of your windows and mirrors are clear to ensure good visibility while driving. And don't forget to clear the hood and top of your vehicle. Snow can fall or be blown onto your windows while driving, blocking your vision unexpectedly.
Pay close attention to the road and the area around it. Though it might be nasty outside, there still may be pedestrians walking alongside the road. When sunlight hits snow and ice, it can create a glare that makes it nearly impossible to see. Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car for this kind of situation, or be sure to use your visors.
It's also a good idea to keep a small emergency kit in your car. Your kit should include a blanket, water, and a flashlight. A camp shovel and some kitty litter or salt would also be a good idea in case you get stuck and have to dig yourself out. Cell phones are handy as well. Even a cell phone without service can be used in an emergency to dial 9-1-1. Keep one charged in your car for such an emergency and you'll always have help at your fingertips.
Those most at risk are those who are new at driving - our teens. Teen drivers don't have the experience needed to combat winter driving conditions, but a little practice goes a long way. Keep them safe by practicing driving in icy conditions in an empty parking lot or somewhere else out of the way of other traffic.
If you do get in an accident or your vehicle gets stuck, assess the situation. If you're located on the side of the road, out of the way of traffic, then it is safer to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives. If your vehicle is stuck in the middle of the roadway, then it would be wiser to get out of the vehicle and stay safely out of the way of oncoming traffic. Either way, make sure your vehicle is visible by switching on your hazard lights.
Winter won't last too much longer, and spring will be here soon. Until then, using a little more caution on the roads will help keep us all safe and accident free.