10 Expert-Recommended Winter Safety Driving Tips To Follow This Winter

Top Driving Tips to Remain Safe On Winter Roads

As winter is in full swing in Alberta and the roads succumb to thick blankets of snow, driving conditions have become increasingly challenging, not just for rookie drivers but for seasoned ones as well. To help you survive these situations safely and smoothly, the experts at Gary Moe Mazda have compiled a list of ten safe winter driving tips. Take a look at these tips below and enjoy navigating the tricky winter roads confidently. 

[ALSO READ: How To Prep Your Mazda For Winter]

Top 10 Safe Winter Driving Tips

Keep in mind the following tips before hitting the road during the cold months to enjoy maximum safety and smooth winter driving:

1. Remember to winterize your car at the beginning of the season. This means checking your car’s battery, belts and hoses, anti-freeze defroster, tires, tire pressure, windshield wipers and more to avoid serious driving problems during the winter. 
2. Before leaving your home or workplace, make sure to always clear off snow from your car’s windows, windshield, rear mirrors, backup camera, roof and side mirror to have enhanced visibility on the road. 
3. Please be mindful of the road conditions and adjust your vehicle’s speed accordingly. Be cautious of posted speed limits; slow down to safely get through the sloppy and snowy winter roads. 
4. Don’t rely on daytime running lights to illuminate your paths in winter; instead, keep your car’s headlights on throughput for enhanced visibility, as well as to help drivers behind you to see your taillights to maintain a safe following distance.
5. Please don’t drive on cruise control in cold months, as the set speed and distance theory may not work in challenging winter road situations. 
6. When driving on slippery roads, try to maintain a normal following distance at least three times to avoid potential accidents/collisions. If possible, follow the previous tire tracks to gain optimized traction. 
7. When changing lanes in winter, signal early and wait for other drivers to anticipate and react. Properly check the rearview mirror, side mirror and shoulder to change lanes. Do not make sudden moves in any condition, as this may cause the car to slip and slide.
8. Be gentle while applying brakes on slick roads. Also, avoid aggressively braking on curves, which may cause you to spin out of control on snow-covered roads. 
9. If you’re driving uphill or downhill in winter, please gear down and avoid unnecessary braking, which may increase your chances of sliding. 
10. While driving uphill, accelerate slightly and then try to maintain a steady speed going up. 

Visit Gary Moe Mazda in Red Deer, AB to Learn More

At Gary Moe Mazda in Red Deer, AB, we understand the importance of safe winter driving, so if you want to learn more about winter vehicle preparedness or have any questions regarding other maintenance services, our industry-trained experts are here to help. Visit Gary Moe Mazda at 81 Gasoline Alley East, Red Deer, AB, or call us at 403-348-8882 to schedule a service appointment, today! Looking forward to helping you.