This content is provided courtesy of USAA.
Follow these tips to help you stay safer when driving in winter weather:
- Keep an ice scraper and a small broom in your car to remove snow and ice from the windshield and windows. Don't use the scraper or broom on your car's painted surfaces.
- If you see snow, take it slow. The same goes for ice, fog and other forms of precipitation. Driving slowly makes it easier to maneuver and stop when necessary.
- Accelerate slowly, increase following distances and approach potentially icy bridges and overpasses with extra caution.
- Brake earlier than is usually necessary and apply the brakes gently to gauge their traction.
- Be prepared in case you get stranded. Carry emergency supplies, such as blankets, nonperishable food, water, a flashlight and road flares.
