3 Winter Driving Tips
Drive slower, prepare to stop, and don’t understeer
On Monday, I visited the shop where I got to see the newly installed hydraulic lifts and we tapped in the new Front Office sign!
During our discussion, I mentioned that I have terrible driving anxiety after a car wreck on Christmas Eve in 2020. Delroy offered reassurance and wanted to be sure that I remember that even though it happened before, that doesn’t mean it will happen again.
Top 3 tips for me for Winter driving were:
Drive slower.
No need to rush and risk a wreck. As you accelerate giving your engine more power, the odds of a bad outcome increases for unexpected ice patches in the road or other traffic occurrences.
Prepare for stops.
Sudden and hard pressure to your brakes can cause your car to skid. It is best to brake gently and progressively to maintain control of your vehicle.
Turn carefully.
Trying to turn too sharp or quick is another way to lose traction and slide. Ease into the turn by letting the car slow down before initiating the turn, don’t use the brakes while turning, and use smooth, gradual steering.
I wish I had taken a quick video! He used an engine and transmission to visually explain to me how we give power to our vehicle and explain why these are important factors to remember in driving.
Other things that I’ve become acutely aware of while learning to drive in North Dakota are to be sure to have over a half tank of gas, never leave your vehicle if stranded, and remember that while you may be remaining cautious, others on the road may not be; make sure that you're aware of your surroundings and other drivers. I’m sure there’s more to note - don’t hesitate to offer your own experience & advice.
For detailed information on the road conditions across the state, check https://travel.dot.nd.gov/.
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