How to Minimize Risk on the Road During a Winter Storm!

NY Car Care | New York Toyota Dealer serving Queens

Driving in winter storms can be some of the most hazardous driving you will do all year. Regardless of your experience with winter storms, you shouldn’t become complacent when you are exposed to winter weather while in your car. Here are some things our New York Toyota Dealer recommends you can do to minimize your risk when driving during the winter.

Be aware of the weather conditions and the road ahead — When temperatures are near freezing and there is rain falling, ice can form on roadways which can be difficult to see. This is often referred to as “black ice” because it appears the roadway is dry or just wet. Be aware that ice may be forming in these conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. Also keep in mind that the roadway on a bridge can freeze first due to the cold air under the bridge causing it to cool faster than other road surfaces.

Understand how your car behaves on snow or ice — You may not react correctly if your car begins to slide on an icy road. First and most important is trying not to panic if you feel your car begin to slide. Instead:

• Keep your foot off the brake. Braking will only make loss of control more likely.

• Keep your foot off the gas as well.

• Let the engine slow the car.

• Steer the car in the direction you want it to go.

• Once you have slowed you should begin to gain traction. Use light gas pedal pressure to continue on your way.

Give yourself lots of room and a way out — Awareness of icy conditions should cause you to allow more room around you and the cars nearby. Also, try to leave room so you can react if someone starts to lose control nearby. Provide plenty of space between you and a car ahead so you can slow and stop under control without skidding.

Don’t stop on a hill — If you live in a hilly area, give yourself room from the car ahead so you don’t have to stop on a hill. You will find it more difficult to move again if you have to stop on a slippery slope. Also remember to give yourself plenty of room when traveling down a hill so you can slow and stop carefully without sliding into the car ahead of you.

Slow down if you can’t see — As snowfall rates increase, visibility can drop very quickly. Now is the time to slow down, make sure your headlights are on, and be aware that drivers ahead of you may stop suddenly because they can’t see, or start sliding when they lose control. If it is snowing heavily, pull off the road safely if you can and clean your windshield and all lights of accumulated snow. Snow accumulating on your headlights can quickly reduce your visibility to other drivers.

Be prepared to wait out a storm and reduce your risk — If you are home and can wait until a storm passes, consider doing so to reduce your risk. If you are already out when a storm hits, find shelter in a restaurant or other establishment until the storm passes. Once the storm passes, make sure to clean off all accumulated show from your car, including the top, all lights, and all side windows. Leaving large quantities of snow on top of your car can be a hazard to other drivers, so take the time to clear all surfaces of your car.

Penn Toyota is concerned for the safety of our customers and the driving public. Stay safe during the winter, and let our NY Toyota Dealer perform a pre-winter check-up on your car before each winter season.