Snow

It’s best to stay off the roads until they are cleared and treated. If you have to drive, make sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice before driving. Driving can cause snow/ice to slide and block your view, or fly off and strike other vehicles. Other tips to keep in mind:

• When starting to drive in snow, keep the wheels straight ahead and accelerate gently to avoid spinning the tires.
• Decrease your speed to make up for a loss of traction. Accelerate and decelerate gently, and be extra careful when braking.
• Stopping distances can be up to 10 times greater in ice and snow. Begin the slowing-down process long before anticipating a stop at an intersection or turn. Brake only when traveling in a straight line.
• Look ahead for danger spots, such as shaded areas and bridge surfaces that may be icy when the rest of the road is clear.

When driving uphill, stay far behind the vehicle ahead so you will not need to come to a sudden stop, which can cause skidding.

Safety Around Snow Plows

When you see snow plows, slow down and use caution.

• Give snowplows room to work: The plows are wide and can cross the center line or shoulder.
• Do not tailgate and avoid passing, especially on the right: If you must pass, be extremely cautious and beware of the snow cloud.
• Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops and turns: A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you.

Note: Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles do not stop faster on ice and snow than two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles. The heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes to stop, no matter how many drive wheels.

Rural Driving

When driving in rural or country areas, there are a number of special situations that require attention. Watch for driveways, farm equipment, snow machines, ATV’s, railroad crossings that might not be marked, and bridges that are narrow and poorly surfaced. Some intersections may be hidden by trees, brush and crops. Animals often are found wandering along the roadway. Extra care and slower speeds should be used when driving on gravel roads because of the reduced traction due to the road surface. The road surface can be affected by loose gravel, slippery conditions after rain or snow, ruts in the driving lanes, and washboard conditions. When approaching oncoming vehicles, watch for soft shoulders or the absence of shoulders.

Mountain Driving

Some hazards you should be aware of are steep hills, changing weather, wildlife and rocks in the roadway. If your vehicle experiences difficulty traveling up steep roadways, pull off the road at the first place you may do so safely, or stay in the right lane to allow other vehicles to pass. Additionally:

• Pay special attention to speed limit signs and warning signs, such as those warning of curves, steep hills or other hazards, such as avalanche zones.
• Watch for bicyclists near the right edge of the road.
• Use lower gear to control speeds while going up or down long, steep hills.
• You must yield to vehicles going uphill if you are traveling downhill on a narrow road.
• Do not coast downhill by shifting into neutral or disengaging the clutch.