Tips For Driving On Icy Roads

No matter what the weather conditions or road conditions are, sometimes you have no choice but to drive somewhere. Your workplace won’t close down or you might have to drive to the store or hospital (God forbid!) because of an emergency that cannot wait.

Whether there is black ice, an icy road, snow covered roads, or ice-covered roads, sometimes you have no choice but to drive anyways. It can be scary! I know this because we live in Idaho and it is so cold here in the wintertime and it snows A LOT! This is a lot different from Washington (where we moved from!). Good thing we have a reliable vehicle!

It is so important to have winter tires. If it snows a lot in your area, it is probably a smart move to go ahead and get studded tires. We need these where we live and at times, are a lifesaver, literally.

There are so many helpful tips for driving on icy roads, but I think I will share with you my top 10 tips for driving on icy roads. I hope it helps someone! Safety matters! Winter driving can be so scary!

Tips For Driving On Icy Roads

Before Leaving Your Home:

*Start up your vehicle about 15 minutes or so before you plan on driving it. This will get the engine warmed up, the heater warmed up and will help melt off the ice/snow that has formed on your windshield so your windshield wipers don’t get ruined by using them on the ice.

*Scrape off any ice on your windshield and side mirrors

*Make sure your cell phone is charged and you have a car charger for your cell phone in the car, in case of emergencies.

*Make sure you have jumper cables in your car, a blanket, water, and some granola or beef jerky so you don’t starve if you get stuck in the snow somewhere. Hard candies are also a good option.

*Check the radio or news stations for road reports/weather reports so you know what to expect before driving out.

After Leaving Your Home

*When going up a hill in the snow or ice, make sure you are going at a steady pace. Never push down on the gas pedal too hard or much as that will make your tires spin out and could cause you to swerve. Make sure your both your hands are on the steering wheel.

*When going down a hill, take your foot off the gas pedal and try to ‘glide’ down the hill, as slowly as you can. If you start to gain speed (which you will), then slowly push your foot onto the brake pedal, slowly! Do not press hard on the brake pedal!

*If you start to slide, don’t panic! Just steer your vehicle the way you want your vehicle to go. Don’t slam on your brakes as that can cause you to spin out even more and harm you or someone else.

*If you happen to get stuck in the snow or ice, try to stay calm. Turn on your flashers so other drivers can see you. Stay inside of your vehicle so that you do not get run into with another vehicle. Call for help on your cell phone.

*Though 4 wheel drive doesn’t really help much in icy conditions, it does help in snowy situations. Try putting your vehicle in 4 wheel drive (if you have it, of course…) and see if you can try to shimmy your way out of the area you are stuck in. Hopefully, your rear wheels don’t spin out and you are able to gain some traction control.

*Remember that if you are crossing a bridge, that bridges can be more dangerous because they form ice quicker than roads do. Always drive over bridges (and underpasses!) slowly and carefully to avoid an accident. Never use cruise control when driving in these conditions!

Of course, if you are able to stay how when it is icy/snowy outside, please do so! If you don’t HAVE to go somewhere, then don’t! Better to be safe than sorry. Winter weather is no joke, especially where we live!

Do you have any driving tips for driving on icy roads? If you do, please share them with me below! Check out this article about how to get your vehicle winter-ready.