Winter Driving Tips

As certain as traffic jams on Highway 44, you can be sure a winter storm will wreak havoc on Missouri roadways.

The State of Missouri averaged an annual 9,600 auto accidents resulting in over 2,500 injuries and 30 deaths over the past decade. You don’t have to become a statistic. Common sense and preparation will increase your chances of safe travel on winter roads.

The best way to stay safe is to stay home. Take advantage of technology and consider working from home until conditions improve. As good as that fast food burger sounds, make a PBJ and skip the slippery drive-thru for a while. The crews responsible for clearing our roadways also appreciate your decision to stay in. If circumstances require your presence elsewhere, keep these tips in mind.

• Slow down and stay back. Snow and ice greatly affect the braking distance of a vehicle. A driver’s capability to complete a safe stop is limited because of reduced tire traction. To stop safely, an automobile’s wheels maintain traction by remaining in full contact with the road surface while spinning. On slippery winter roads, your travel is safer with slower speed and increased following distances. For reference, it is recommended that drivers reduce their speed to half the posted limit or less under bad road conditions. Increased margin of safety between vehicles provides the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Always apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. At a stoplight, don’t try to get moving in a hurry, or you might find yourself spinning and sliding. Especially in a driving situation that makes you nervous, remember to go gentle on the gas and brakes.
• Do not use your cruise control. Black ice and compacted snow increase the chance of losing control when driving on cruise control because the system may not react as quickly as you can if you feel a loss in traction.
• Watch those hills. Again, hitting the gas on snow-covered roads will just make the wheels spin. When you approach a hill, try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill, and let that inertia carry you up the hill. At the top of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed cautiously downhill. Do your best not to stop as you ascend a hill, or you might find yourself sliding back down to the bottom.
• Minimize distractions to driving. Concentrate on what’s going on outside the car when weather is bad. Even with a hands free option, talking on the cell phone while driving in winter weather greatly increases your chance of an accident. Keep the radio down, keep the podcasts off, and keep apprised of drivers around you that might not be as careful as you are.
• Use AWD and 4WD. Using AWD and 4WD can help you with extra traction when you need it most. Don’t let it lull you into a false sense of security, however. Many drivers of AWD or 4WD vehicles think this feature means they can drive faster and pay less attention. This assumption can have dangerous consequences.

No matter how many winter driving tips you follow, it is best to learn how to drive the right way from the start. The professionals at Missouri Driving School can help you reach that goal with Missouri driving lessons for St. Louis area drivers. We’re ready to answer your questions and teach beginning or returning drivers in sun, rain and winter weather conditions Call Missouri Driving School today at 314-849-4590.