This time of year always sees an increase of cars on the road as people enjoy the time off and travel to see friends and family. Not only do you have to contend with the hassle of a long journey with busy roads, but the longer evenings combined with icy conditions can make the prospect of time spent with loved ones seem super stressful. Here is our list of winter driving tips to get you to your destination safely!
Expect the Unexpected
With a surge in drivers on the roads, as well as unexpected conditions it’s important to map your route the night before, even if it’s one you’re familiar with. Double check any unexpected closures and reroute if necessary. After all that, build in plenty of additional time so you’re not rushing to get there! This means that you can enjoy the scenery and the time spent with loved ones in the car, instead of stressing about how you’re going to be late. Building in more time than anticipated also means you can take those necessary bathroom breaks, stretch your legs, and treat yourself to a cup of cocoa.
Get Some Shut-Eye
A successful journey all starts with a good night’s sleep. Not only will you start your trip on the best foot, but you will be more alert of sudden changes on the road. Whether a car swerves into your lane or you skid on some ice, your reflexes will be functioning optimally. Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can have a similar effect to being drunk. Driving under the influence can be fatal, as can driving without enough sleep. If you are on the road and you feel yourself getting drowsy, pull over somewhere safe and take a nap until you feel well-rested enough to resume your trip.
Check out our tips for avoiding driver fatigue.
Do you need winter tyres for your vehicle? Read our advice!
Inspect Your Vehicle
The day before travel, perform a full inspection on your vehicle to make sure it’s in ship-shape. Check your tyres (for pressure, tread, and any signs of damage), lights and indicators, seat belt function, and windscreen wipers. Make sure the windows are all clean and that all mirrors are properly adjusted to the driver. Check the car’s oil, petrol, and water levels, and check for leaks under the vehicle. According to the RAC Foundation, most car breakdowns are avoidable by practicing proper vehicle inspections before you start your journey.
Buckling in with the basics
In the rush and excitement of starting your journey, make sure you don’t skip this life saving basic. Always buckle up and make sure others around you do the same. Studies show that almost half (42%) of fatalities in car accidents were because occupants weren’t wearing seatbelts. Be sure to remove any unnecessary, bulky layers so that the seat belt can properly secure around you. With children in the car, make sure those 12 and under are always in the back seat and in the appropriate booster or car seat for their size.
Avoid the Aggressive Drivers
Driving at or below the speed limit can get you some highway haters. If someone is honking their horn at you, flashing their headlights, or even overtaking you: just let them. It is much easier to control the situation and your safety behind an aggressive driver than in front of them.
Road rage is one of the biggest causes of accidents. Check out other common road accidents to be aware of, here.
Take a look at some of our other tips for driving in winter, here.
A Need for (Safe) Speed
According to studies, speeding is “a contributory factor in 25%” of vehicular deaths. The speed limit is created for optimal conditions. With longer evenings, inclement weather conditions, and the increased number of cars on the road, the conditions are no longer optimal. We need to adjust accordingly by slowing down, even if that is below the speed limit. Increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you is another smart and safety-conscious way to drive defensively.
Live in the Moment, Not For FOMO
Being fully present in the moment (without phones), listening to Christmas tunes in the company of friends and family in the car can make for some amazing core memories. This is just one reason why texting, calling, emailing, and scrolling through social media can wait. That and the fact that doing any of these things, even for a moment, is extremely dangerous. According to NHTSA, texting with your eyes off the road for five seconds while driving at 55 mph is the equivalent of driving the length of a football pitch with your eyes closed!
Be Merry and Mindful
The holiday season often means taking part in the holiday cheer, but be sure not to get on the road while impaired. The best gift you can give yourself and loved ones is the gift of your safety. Plan ahead if you plan on drinking, either by designating a sober driver, calling a taxi or ride share, or spending the night at your friend or family’s house.
We wish you a happy and safe holiday season, and hope that these winter driving tips can make your road trips merry! If you have your own winter driving safety tips to share, send us a Tweet!