Winter Driving Tips

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During snow emergencies, parked vehicles need to be removed from snow routes.
Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, hood and roof before driving.
Inspect your vehicle; be sure tail and headlights, turn signals, wiper blades and mirrors are in working order.
Pay attention. Snow and ice can hide dangers on the road. Watch for pedestrians, kids sledding.
Drive defensively, leave yourself an out. Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do, watch vehicles approaching from behind. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
Don't try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for clear, dry pavement.
Leave plenty of room for stopping. Increase your following distance, it can take up to three times as long to stop in snow and ice.
Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly.
Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to "stomp and steer!"
Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. You should slow down or move over when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, including snowplows, parked on the side of the road when they have their flashing lights turned on. If you approach a parked emergency or maintenance vehicle during a winter storm and decide to change lanes be extra careful. The passing lane may be in worse shape than the driving lane. There may also be a snow ridge between the two lanes. Avoid making an abrupt lane change. If approaching a snowplow stay back and don't pass on the right.
When climbing a hill, make sure you have enough momentum.
Know the current road conditions. You can receive current road conditions by dialing 1.800.288.1047, wireless phone 511.
Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition.
Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won't help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle's traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them. Go slow!