Most people would agree that winter is the worst season for driving. The weather is harsh, which can cause you to lose visibility, and it can also be dangerous. Blizzards, rain, and snow can make it hard to see what’s ahead of you, and there is a significant risk of accidents due to slippery road conditions. It would be best to avoid driving in winter if you can.

However, it’s important to remember that driving in winter is not always dangerous. You need to be aware of certain conditions that can make the road more dangerous. A few precautions can help you drive safely in the winter, and it’s up to you to be smart about it.

Clear The Blizzard From The Windscreen

One of the biggest dangers of driving in winter is getting snowed in. The buildup of snow and ice on the windshield can drastically reduce your visibility, making it hard to see what’s going on around you. The best way to avoid this problem is to clear the windshield before you begin your journey. If you are planning on driving into a blizzard, then take the time to prepare for it by clearing the windshield. This can be especially helpful if you are driving on a highway. You can pull off to the side of the road until the snow stops falling, or you can get a snowmobile to pull you through the storm. Clearing the windshield also allows fresh air to enter your cabin, keeping you cozy on a winter drive.

Avoid High-Rimmed Wheels

High-rimmed wheels are wonderful in summer, but in winter they can be among the biggest dangers on the road. The problem is that the contact patch between your tires and the road can become extremely small, which makes it harder to control your vehicle. The best way to avoid this problem is to use low-rimmed wheels, otherwise known as fat tires. These can help you achieve better gas mileage in winter because the tires have a lower rolling resistance. You should look for cars with this feature specifically if you are planning on driving in the winter.

Slow Down

Driving too fast in winter is just as dangerous as driving too slowly. When you are driving too slowly, you are increasing your risk of being in an accident simply because you are taking your time. If you are afraid that you are going too slowly or if you think that the other drivers are driving too quickly, then pull off to the side of the road until you can safely go faster. You should only drive as fast as is comfortable for you. Going any slower than this can make you more vulnerable to being in an accident.

Don’t forget to give yourself plenty of distance with the motor vehicle in front of you. During winter, instead of the usual 3-second rule, give ourself a minimum of 8-seconds between you and the car in front of you.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelts save lives. No one can dispute this fact. Wearing your seatbelt can definitely prevent you from being in an accident, and it can also protect you from the effects of trauma if you do end up in an accident. Make sure to buckle up whenever you get in your car, even if it’s just for a short drive. Even if you are not planning on driving very far, it would still be a good idea to buckle up. You never know what can happen on the roads.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

High-traffic areas are usually the most dangerous places to drive. This is because there are a lot of cars on the road, and in some cases, there can be as many as four or five lanes of traffic passing you by each minute. The best way to avoid these areas is to avoid major commuter traffic during the morning or evening rush hours, or on Saturdays (if you are in a southern state) and Sundays (if you are in a northern state). There are a lot of accidents because of aggressive driving and speeding, so being mindful of when and where you drive can help you avoid these situations. These areas are usually found near big cities, so even if you live in a smaller town, you still need to be aware of how busy the road ahead of you can get. If you are planning on driving on a highway, then you should look for an area that is as far away from an intersection as possible. It’s better to be a little far away from an intersection than too close to it.

High-traffic areas usually occur at exits and entrances to the highway, so you can pull off to the side until you can find a safe spot to continue your journey.