Ask AARP: Taming "Old Man Winter:" Tips for safe winter driving

From AARP

This question came from Julie during a Driver Safety course in Bozeman:

Q: My younger sister lives in Butte and she just got a job in Helena. Her kids are still in school so she is not planning on moving anytime soon — which means she will be commuting between Butte and Helena every day.  I am really worried about all that driving she will be doing — especially during the winter months.  What tips do you have for driving in bad weather?

  A: No matter how many years of driving experience one may have, adverse weather never fails to present a wide variety of driving challenges. Snow, ice, fog and early nightfall are just a few of the dangerous conditions you could encounter during the winter months.

  Knowing how to drive safely in harsh weather conditions can protect you, your passengers and your vehicle. Follow these 5 tips for driving in winter weather to help you stay safe on the road.

  1. Prepare your vehicle.  Make sure your brakes, wipers, defroster, headlights and heater are all working properly. Your best defense against unfavorable weather is a well-maintained vehicle. Also be sure to equip your car with emergency supplies so you are prepared if something goes wrong. Be sure to include blankets, food, water, spare fuses, a flashlight with batteries, an ice scraper, flares and a first-aid kit.

2. Clean up and clear off your vehicle. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle’s hood, windows and roof before driving. You can’t always control what you encounter on the road but, you can reduce the dangers your vehicle adds to the roadway.  Clearing snow from your vehicle before driving will not only increase visibility, but also prevent a chunk of snow or ice from flying off your car and endangering another vehicle.

3. Slow down. Reducing your speed and increasing the distance between your car and the one in front of you are always good driving practices, but are especially important during adverse weather. It takes more time than usual to stop on icy or wet roads, so allowing more space between cars means there is ample time to stop and less chance of a rear end collision. Stopping slowly and gently will also help you avoid skidding. If your wheels lock up, ease off the brake. In wet driving conditions, do not drive faster than the windshield wipers can clear water from the windshield.

4. Turn on your headlights. Snow and rain can be difficult to see through but your headlights increase your visibility to other motorists.  Keep your lights clean and free of ice or debris and know the rules of the road. Although it is always a good idea, some states require headlights to be on when using windshield wipers.

5. Stay alert and look ahead. Give yourself more time to process the roadway in front of you and react. Take extra precautions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, which can freeze first, and remain icy longer than roadways.

  While driving in unfavorable weather is manageable when approached with caution, sometimes it’s simply not safe and the best option is to stay home, or stay in a hotel if bad weather hits while you’re away from home.

Do you have a question for AARP Montana? Send your question to “Ask AARP Montana” at [email protected] or 30 W 14th St., Helena, MT 59601 or call our toll-free hotline at 866-295-7278. As we receive questions, we will consult with both internal and external experts to provide timely and valuable advice.