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The Snow is Here, Drive Safe!

Bellingham Winter DrivingThe snow is falling outside and the roads may be treacherous. Here’s some tips to keep you and your family safe while driving in the snow this Winter.

Driving safely on icy roads

 

  1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  2. Brake gently to avoiding sliding.
  3. Don’t assume that just because you have an all wheel drive or a 4-wheel drive vehicle that you will be fine in the conditions. Even the best of vehicle can run into trouble on icy winter roads.
  4. Be sure to turn on your lights to increase your visibility
  5. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

 

If your rear wheels skid…

 

  1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
  2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
  3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
  4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
  5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

 

If your front wheels skid…

 

  1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
  2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

 

 

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

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