Winter Driving Tips, Tip #1

The very first thing to do when driving on a winter day is to clear off all your car, and I mean all of it. It seems that after every snow storm for several days I will see many cars driving around that think all they need to clear is a tiny spot in front of their face. How more stupid could you get? If you have no more visibility than a two foot square on your front windshield, not only should you not be on the road but you should sell your car immediately buy a bus pass and never drive again, it is that wrong.

And when I say clear off your entire car, I mean that literally. All the windshields should be clear of obstruction because the best thing you can do for your safety and that of those around you is to know what is around you. While you are clearing off the windshields, keep going and clear off the hood, roof, and trunk. I know there are a lot of lazy butts out there that figure it will just blow off while you drive down the road. Well guess what, it does and that is the problem. It blows off the hood and back onto your windshield blocking your view, or off the roof and covers the back windshield blocking your view, or if it doesn’t block your view it is blowing off you and onto someone else blocking their view. This is rude, obnoxious and stupid. This rule also applies to all semi trucks, pickup trucks, trucks with shells, Suburbans, mini vans, and anything else that appears too big for the person driving it. If you can’t reach the top, get a step ladder (or better yet trade it in on a bus pass). Again this is not just for you but for those you share the road with as well. Driving behind one of these yoyos you can find yourself in a mini white out condition even on the clearest day. And when the ice chucks start to come off they can cause damage.

Lastly, clear off the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and mirrors. Not only is it important to see it is important to be seen. Most winter driving occurs in the winter, (duh). That is also when our days are shortest and that means darker times during many of our driving hours. Having properly working lights that can be seen is one advantage you want to have, (especially if that other driver hasn’t cleared off his vehicle). Turn signals were put on cars for a reason, use them. They signal your intentions to other drivers and let them prepare for the action you are about to take. The greater the reaction time you provide to other drivers the better when conditions get slick. And use your mirrors. This goes along with being aware of your surroundings to be better prepared for the actions taken by your fellow drivers.

Winter driving is challenging enough. By doing a few simple things, we can make it less difficult for ourselves and for others. Look for more tips to follow.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.