By Mark Kreindler, VPSI’s Risk Manager
Winter weather is (unfortunately) fast approaching and snow has already started falling in some parts of the country. It’s a good time to review some basic winter weather safe driving tips. Here are some pre- trip tips to make sure your vehicle is in top winter driving shape:
First, check the battery, coolant and wiper blades. Fill the washer fluid and always keep the gas tank at least half full. Next, check the tires for wear and proper inflation and be sure to keep a snow scraper/brush in vehicle.
Now for the driving tips:
- Always clear snow from your vehicle, including the roof
- Keep windshield and windows clear of ice and snow
- Allow extra time for your trip and slow down
- Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes
- Watch for icy bridge decks and slippery shady areas on roadways
- Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
- Turn on headlights during wintery weather
- Did I mention to slow down and drive for conditions?
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In my years of driving in ice and snow I found that with the Ford E-350 Van or any Ford vehicle, if you start with the gear selector in 2 it puts less touque to the rear wheels and my allow you to pull away from stop better than in drive.
Driving tips people either do not know or have never thought about is while diving in icy or slick conditions of any type, put the transmission in second gear when starting off to reduce the chance of wheel spin, turn off the cruise control to eliminate unexpected acceleration in the case of lost traction, and turn off the over-drive to prevent the vehicle from down shifting and causing the tires to loss traction and spin.