There is nothing like waking up on a cold winter morning to see a fresh blanket of snow covering the earth. The world seems to sparkle as the sun shines on the white ground. Everything is beautiful… until it is time to drive.
When it comes to snow, people tend to forget what that left pedal is and how to use it. Brakes? What are those? Once there is a fresh layer of snow on the ground, people seem to think that stop lights and stop signs are optional. What are people thinking? Are they thinking at all? Braking early is one of the first rules of driving in snow, so how do so many people forget once the weather turns cold? The key when it comes to winter driving is to brake early and brake often.
Once people learn how to stop, they need to learn how to get moving again. Anyone who hits the gas too hard will likely not be moving anytime soon. The wheels are going fast but the car is going nowhere. Slam the gas pedal, and you will be polishing the same ice patch until it shines. To actually go somewhere, go for a light touch of the gas.
Finally, when it comes to snowy weather, people become overconfident in their driving. This almost always ends up in getting stuck, getting into an accident or even ending up in a ditch. People always say, “But I’m a good driver” and “My car can handle it”. But that always gets them into a sticky or snowy situation. Everyone thinks that they are not the problem. And they are probably right – nothing says “good driver” like needing five people to help push a car out of the ditch. Are you stuck? Or did you mean to park in the middle of the road?
So, the next time you head out in the snow, remember that the brakes are controlled with the pedal on the left. Because, unless you want to go for a spin, braking early is a must. When you get behind the wheel, check your ego and slow down. Whether you drive a big 4×4 or a Volkswagen Beetle, it is always important to be safe when driving in winter weather.
