Over 70% of our roads in Maryland are located in snowy regions. Snow and ice reduce traction, braking distance, vehicle control and increase the risk of road accidents. Every year 24% of weather-related accidents occur on snow and ice-covered roads. It is imperative to be alert, drive slowly, and stay in control of your vehicle when driving on icy roads in Frederick, MD.
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Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter Conditions
Road safety in winter conditions begins with having a vehicle that is in prime running condition. Ask your technician to do a thorough inspection of your car to ensure that everything is working well, especially your vehicle’s defroster, lights, brakes, and wipers.
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Keep Your Tires Inflated to the Correct PSI
During the cold winter months, you should frequently check your vehicle’s tire pressure to ensure that they’re at the correct pressure. Under-inflated tires hamper your vehicle’s steering and could cause accidents on ice.
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Keep Your Windows and Lights Clean
Before you drive off, make sure that all the windows are defrosted and clean. Test your wipers and lights before you hit the road to ensure they work properly. When you have good visibility, you can effectively watch out for icy areas on the road.
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Fit Snow Tires or Chains
Snow tires will give you grip but can still slide on the ice. In extreme conditions, on roads covered in ice, you need chains that are far more effective and will stop your vehicle from spinning out of control.
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Take It Easy
When you pull out of your driveway and onto the road, take it slowly and first test your vehicle’s steering and braking ability on the road. Be gentle on the gas pedal and drive carefully. Because your braking distance is reduced on icy roads, brake carefully and start slowing down much sooner than you would on dry roads.
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Drive Slowly
The most vital tip we can offer you is to drive slowly and carefully. Your visibility in the snow is impaired, you can’t see the road surface correctly, and icy spots could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. We recommend reducing your speed to half of the speed limit on ice-covered roads to ensure your safety.
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Be Gentle on the Controls
Avoid jerking the steering wheel and hard braking that will cause your brakes to lock on the ice and make you lose control of your vehicle. Brake gently and steer smoothly.
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Maintain a Safe Following Distance
In normal weather conditions, the rule is to keep a two-second following distance. In winter conditions, especially on roads covered in ice, eight to ten-second following distance will give you enough space to stay safe. Many rear-end crashes occur on ice because there is not enough space between vehicles.
The three most vital tips to remember when driving on ice are reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, and being gentle on your brakes. Schedule your next auto repair at one of our two DARCARS service centers in Frederick, MD. Our expert team of technicians will ensure that your vehicle is ready for the cold winter conditions.
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