Driving on Ice!

I decided to expand on my last post. I mentioned that we generally have 1-2 freezes per year here in North Texas. It wreaks havoc on our transportation system, since it happens so rarely and us Texans are not used to it. If my driveway is covered in ice, I stay home. I usually see people slipping and sliding down my street, hitting curbs, mailboxes and even other cars! This post is about driving safely in ice and snow if you absolutely have to go out in it.

1. Check your tires.

Your tires are what keeps you going in the direction that you want to go. If your tire tread is worn thin, you probably shouldn’t be out in the freezing temperatures.

2. Run the A/C.

I know, it seems redundant, but it actually works! Turning on your air conditioner and selecting the ‘fresh air’ setting will remove the condensation on the inside of the vehicle, helping with your visibility.

3. Turn your headlights on.

Newer cars will always have running lamps on, if they don’t, turn them on. Visibility is key, for your own safety and the other drivers on the road.

4. Keep your eyes peeled for ‘black ice’.

Black ice is the transparent sheet of ice that you never see coming. It may look like a puddle or not look like anything at all. If you find yourself driving on it, jerky movements are the last thing you want to do.

5. Visualize your trip.

If it’s freezing outside and there’s snow and ice on the ground, you definitely don’t want to be driving over any bridges. Those are always the most dangerous places to be driving during sub-zero temperatures. Take an alternate route to stay off of bridges and on solid ground.

6. Don’t depend on the technology

Just because your car has the latest sensors and traction controls, doesn’t mean they can save your car if you make a bad decision.

Keep these tips in mind next time you find yourself venturing out into the winter wonderland. The best advice I can give is to stay at home and start a fire in the fireplace. You may be able to control your driving, but you can’t control other drivers!

If you can think of anymore tips or have a harrowing snow day driving story, find me on Facebook and let me hear about them!