DRIVING SAFELY IN WINTER: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR NAVIGATING SNOW AND ICE

Australia is a diverse country in many ways. Its geographical diversity means it experiences a lot of climate variations too. Many areas in Australia have temperatures dropping below zero which leads to black ice formation on the road. Heavy snowfall and dense morning fog are also quite prevalent in certain parts of the country. Winter months also bring rainfall in various states and shorter daylight hours. Along with temperature extremes, Australian roads are also frequented by wildlife in certain areas.

All these factors contribute to making driving a challenging activity in Australian winters. In such difficult conditions staying safe and driving responsibly is essential. Driving schools in Australia also focus on teaching their students to drive in adverse weather conditions. Special courses like the Safer Drivers Course help them develop safe driving habits and a safety-first mindset. Let us delve into the dangers of driving in winter and tips to navigate these conditions better:

DANGERS OF DRIVING IN WINTERS

Driving in winter is dangerous for many reasons. Winter fog and snowfall reduce visibility making it hard to see the traffic signals and signs, other vehicles, or even the road ahead. The snow can also accumulate on the roads, making them slippery, and uneven, and generally making driving difficult.

Wet and slippery roads reduce the traction between the tires and the road increasing the risk of skidding when taking a turn. Wet roads also mean the vehicles require a longer time to come to a stop compared to dry roads. This also increases the chances of colliding with the vehicles ahead. Winters also see a phenomenon called black ice where thin layers of transparent ice form on the road surfaces. This black ice is very difficult to spot and highly slippery, increasing the risk of accidents on the road.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE

To navigate the roads in winter, it’s necessary to first prepare your vehicle for the challenges the roads bring. Winterising your car is of utmost importance, especially if the temperatures in your state tend to drop below zero. Such a cold climate can also freeze the cars and reduce their performance and function. So, to keep your vehicle from getting damaged in the winter, you should check your antifreeze and get it serviced.

Before winter, check your battery and ignition components like spark plugs, leads, etc. Ensure all the vehicle lights and seatbelts are working properly. Also, check the vehicle’s brakes, wipers, heaters, and cooling fans, and keep checking the tire pressure regularly. All these preparations and checks can help you be prepared for the colder months on the road.

HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY IN SNOW AND ICE :

Navigating the snow-filled roads can be a big challenge even for seasoned drivers. So, if you’re a newbie learning driving in a driving school, you better pay attention to driving lessons detailing winter driving skills. To help you out, here are some tips for navigating the roads in snow and ice:

1. ADJUST YOUR DRIVING

Driving at high speeds on icy roads is like inviting fatal accidents. Slow down your speed and drive carefully and cautiously when the roads are wet and filled with snow. Driving safely is the best way to avoid accidents.

2. BRAKE AND ACCELERATE CAUTIOUSLY

One of the hardest things to do on slippery roads is apply brakes. Slippery roads can make your car skid or make you lose control of the vehicle. So, when you apply brakes or accelerate make sure to do it slowly, safely, and cautiously.

3. INCREASING VISIBILITY

Visibility is low in the winter months and snowfall can also reduce the visibility on the roads. Try to increase your visibility by keeping your windows and mirrors clean and your wipers in good condition. Ensure all your lights are working properly to give you more visibility at night.

4. NAVIGATING BLACK ICE

Black ice can increase the risk of accidents as it is not easily visible. Check for black ice warnings on traffic websites and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Remember to keep longer distances than normal as vehicles tend to take longer to stop on wet, icy roads.

WRAPPING UP

In conclusion, adhering to winter driving safety tips is paramount for ensuring both personal safety and the safety of others on the road. By maintaining a safe distance, using appropriate tires, and being mindful of changing weather conditions, drivers can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure smoother journeys during challenging winter months. Drivers can also stay prepared by carrying emergency supplies, checking weather forecasts, and checking road conditions before embarking on any winter travel. Learning to drive safely in adverse weather with driving schools like Onroad can also help you navigate winter driving easily. By taking proactive measures and adopting a safety-first approach, we can all contribute to safer roads and enjoy a more secure and stress-free winter driving experience!

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