Whether you are new to the region, a new driver, a parent of a new driver, or just need a refresher, we are here to help you understand the differences between driving in warm weather versus the winter, and ultimately help you feel more confident on the road. Safety is our number one priority, and we know it’s yours too. Driving can be scary, but when you’re prepared and confident, you’re less likely to panic when situations arise.
We’re going to break down the differences between driving in the summer versus winter, explain some helpful techniques, discuss how winter tires can help, and also answer how 4 Wheel Drive affects winter driving.
What is Winter Driving?
Winter driving isn’t just about the snow. The combination of colder temperatures, heavy precipitation, ice-covered roads, and earlier sunsets add up to more dangerous driving conditions. While these conditions can be extremely intimidating for seasoned winter drivers — let alone new winter drivers — there are so many ways to prepare.
How does driving change in the winter?
Driving in winter versus summer is like playing soccer versus playing hockey. Although there are some general similarities, it’s almost like a completely different game.
First of all, do everything more slowly. Taking turns, stopping, and accelerating should all be done at a slower pace to avoid spinning out or losing control. This means that your whole trip will take longer, so plan accordingly. If you feel rushed or you’re running late, you’re more likely to make poor driving decisions. This is true of other drivers too, so make sure you give everyone around you enough space. If other drivers are being overconfident, speeding, or being reckless, you want to have enough room to avoid becoming collateral damage. It can take up to ten full seconds to come to a complete stop on snowy/icy roads.
Be extra cautious on bridges. If you’ve lived in a colder region, you’ve seen the signs warning that bridges tend to become icy before other roads. Because bridges are exposed on the top and bottom — versus just the top with regular roads — they lose heat much faster. Roads that are shaded by trees are also likely to be icier since the sun isn’t able to melt the ice. Make sure to be alert — driving one way on every type of road isn’t going to work. Adjust your speed and following distance accordingly.
Be more prepared in every way. Have you ever been driving somewhere new, following your GPS, when suddenly you realize you tuned out and missed Siri’s last dictation? Your GPS says something like “now turn left.” When the roads are dry and it’s light out, this isn’t a big deal. You are usually able to make the turn a little late and stay on your route. However, when it’s dark or when roads are slippery, this can be an extremely dangerous move. You may be used to making last minute turns like this if you often rely on GPS. Make sure you don’t slip into muscle memory and make a last minute turn during winter by knowing your route well. Take the extra time to read through the directions so you are less likely to be in that “panic” situation. Also, leave yourself more time so you don’t need to feel pressured or rushed.
Keep an eye out for wildlife. Animals are less fearful when there is a blanket of snow on the ground and can be seen much more often near or on roads. Be on the lookout for wandering deer. If you do see a deer in your path and you don’t have time to stop, do NOT swerve. Unfortunately, it is much safer to collide with a small animal than it is to collide with an oncoming vehicle or a tree. If you swerve, you could hit another vehicle and injure other people as well as yourself. Hitting a tree head-on is likely to be fatal depending on your speed.
Maintain control. Don’t use cruise control in the winter. Conditions change so quickly from road to road and you will need to be able to react quickly.
How does Four Wheel Drive impact winter driving?
Four Wheel Drive systems often come with Trucks and SUVs. They work to help vehicles get through thick, deep snow or mud by providing better steering and faster acceleration. It’s beneficial to have Four Wheel Drive capabilities if you live in an area where your roads are not paved often. However, Four Wheel Drive will not help you come to a safe stop when you find yourself on a slippery surface. They also cannot provide enough traction to keep you adequately safe during the winter months.
How do winter tires change winter driving?
Unlike Four Wheel Drive, Winter Tires help with more than just steering. Winter tires provide excellent traction in snow and on ice — even when temperatures drop below freezing. Winter tires are specially engineered to stay flexible and inflated during cold temperatures. Their deeper treads help provide traction and make safe stopping much easier.
What are the top three things to know about winter driving?
The top three things you should know about winter driving are:
Vehicle Preparation can keep you safer.
Preparing your vehicle by purchasing winter tires, making sure you have a full tank of gas, your battery is new and functional, etc. and building your winter vehicle emergency kit can make a huge difference in your safety on the road and if an emergency situation does arise. Being prepared will also give you more confidence in yourself and help you stay clear-minded and focused on the road instead of panicking and becoming overwhelmed.
You need to be more alert to sudden changes.
Not all winter roads are the same, and not all drivers are prepared or making smart choices. You need to make sure you’re fully alert and awake at ALL times when driving in winter conditions. Never drive sleepy, never give in to distractions, always keep an eye out for hazards or animals.
Have patience. Take your time.
Take the time to plan ahead (know your route) and leave yourself plenty of time to arrive safely. People make much better choices when they are not stressed, pressured, or panicking. Let yourself focus and relax on your drive so that you can pay more attention to what matters and stop looking at the clock, or looking at texts.
We want you to feel confident and ready for winter driving this year so that your holiday road trips can be filled with fun family memories— not fear and stress, so that you can tackle all of your errands, and so that you can make it to your happy new year. Remember that safety is the most important thing. Real danger is out there if you decide to drive unprepared. We’re here to help.
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