The best advice during or after a snow storm is to avoid driving, but that is not always possible. With that in mind, here are some safety tips for area drivers, courtesy of AAA Mid-Atlantic:
1. Remove ice or snow. Take time to remove the ice/snow from the entire car so it doesn't blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Clear windows, mirrors and lights.
2. See and be seen - Make sure windshield wipers and defrosters are in good working order. Turn on your headlights to be seen by other drivers.
3. Slow down and increase following distance. A greater cushion in between vehicles can prevent panic stops and allow greater room for error.
4. Pay attention. Now is not the time to be distracted by electronic devices or anything else. Watch other vehicles. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra seconds to react.
5. Take your time. Rushing creates risk.
6. Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses. Bridges, areas under them and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces.
7. No cruising. Don't use cruise control in precipitation and freezing temperatures.
8. Control the skid. If you skid on a slick surface, do not panic. Take your foot off of the brake or accelerator and steer into the direction of the skid – don't fight the car. Accelerate slowly.
9. Know your car – Guard against SUV overconfidence. SUV's have the same difficulty keeping control and stopping as other vehicles.
10. Drive in cleared lanes - Changing lanes unnecessarily puts you at greater risk of hitting a patch of ice or large areas of snow between lanes that may cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Also, avoid passing snowplows or salt trucks unless it is absolutely necessary.
