By: Bryce Coleson  

     Driving in the winter can result in disaster if you aren’t careful and here at The Squire, we understand that, so we are here to help give you all the tips and tricks to help you stay safe while driving this winter.  

     There are so many common mistakes that can increase your chances of being in a car accident. According to roadwarrior.app, one of the top mistakes people make while driving in bad conditions is thinking your four-wheel drive makes you invincible. Four-wheel drive does not mean you don’t have to be careful. Yes, four-wheel drive helps, but you can still slip and slide. Another mistake that is also common is having bald tires, according to Pennsylvania Motor Safety. This is a big problem because it decreases traction on roadways and can increase your chances of hydroplaning on wet and icy roads. Lastly, drivers often make the big mistake of going too fast on slippery roads. For example, if the speed limit is 45 mph, you do not have to go 45 if the roads are snowy, icy, or wet. Going too fast on slippery roads could cause an accident. The faster you are going, the higher risk of injury if you are involved in an accident. Greyson Linkerhof who has been in some less than ideal situations while driving in the winter, stated that this is because he doesn’t leave his house on time for things which makes him drive too fast for the conditions and puts himself at risk.  

       There are also many ways you can set yourself up for success before driving. One of the many ways you can do this is making sure you have good windshield wipers and keeping your windshield wiper fluid full, which will help with visibility while driving in bad conditions that is imperative. Another good thing to remember is to make sure you have at least half a tank worth of gas. This is for a couple of reasons, with one of them being the fact that having more gas in the tank helps prevent gas lines from freezing in ultra cold temperatures. Another reason is if you get stranded or stuck, you are going to want to have gas so you can keep your car running and stay warm. To add to that, Michael Palmieri, who has recently been tested on these skills to get his license, said he always makes sure depending on the road conditions, to go 10 to 15 under. He also added that he “doesn’t speed up excessively fast, doesn’t brake very hard and takes turns very cautiously.” 

      There are also many ways to keep yourself safe while driving. One of the most important ways is taking your time and driving slowly. If needed, give yourself a little extra time for your commute. Another way is to not slam on your breaks if you start to slide, especially if your vehicle does not have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead of slamming on the brake, lightly pump the brake to prevent further sliding.  

    So, as colder weather settles in, stay safe out there and remember to drive safely and take your time.