safe winter driving tips

safe winter driving tips

We are lucky to live in the beautiful Reno-Tahoe area, but with that comes some dangerous and scary driving conditions. We see a lot of the aftermath of people getting in accidents due to those unsafe driving conditions. Our number one priority is and always will be your safety. Here are some safe winter driving tips for you and your family to keep in mind during the winter months.

Make Sure You’re Prepared
You never know whats going to happen, so it’s always important to be prepared. Make sure you’re following this checklist:

  • Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your car all the time
  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough air
  • Keep winter necessities in your car: blankets, extra food & water, warm clothing, a flashlight, glass scraper, and seatbelt cutter.

Drive Properly in the Snow
We’ve had an influx of people to the Reno-Tahoe area who have never drove in the snow before.

  • DRIVE SLOW. This is an obvious, but sometimes we are running late, and you’re not thinking about taking it slow. But remember, when you’re driving in snow or when ice is present, you have less traction!
  • Don’t step on the gas going up hills. Stepping on the gas going up slick roads will just make your tires spin. Don’t speed, but, try to get some movement going before you go up the hill to keep you going, and when you do need to accelerate, do so slowly so you can allow your tires to grab some traction.
  • Don’t stop going up hills. For the same reasons listed above! If you stop, and then go to accelerate, your tires will most likely spin.
  • Increase your following distance between you and the car in front of you. If the road you’re on is slick, sometimes you will slide when stepping on the brakes, so make sure to keep enough room so you don’t rear-end the person in front of you!
  • Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

We hope these safe winter driving tips are helpful to you and your family during the winter months. We hope you all stay safe out there. If you do find yourself in a collision, keep us in mind. We’re here for you, and remember, you choose who repairs your vehicle, choose Liberty Collision.

Join Our Newsletter Today

Insider News & Vehicle Tips