TreadShare Tips For Driving In Snow

Driving in snow can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Being prepared and knowledgeable on how to safely drive on snowy roads can save you and others from unwanted accidents.

Here are 12 TreadShare tips for safe carpooling and driving this winter.

1. Prepare Your Car

The first step before driving away is to give yourself ample time to clear the snow and ice off. The goal is to have nothing to obstruct the drivers view!

We recommend getting into your car and putting defrost on high. When this is going brush and scrape off any snow and ice. We always recommend having a snow scraper-brush in your car.

Once nothing is obstructing the view it’s time to get on the road!

2. Decrease Speed

Taking your time and keeping it slow is the way to go… for winter driving.

Give yourself plenty of room in front of you and on the sides. Decrease vehicle speed to account for poorer traction (how much grip your tires are getting with the road).

Tires will easily slide and glide on snow and ice, so gently press down the brake pedal to stop. As well, gently press down on the accelerator to go. Ideally, use a lower gear shift instead of the brakes.

*remember overpasses and bridges freeze first, take more caution on these'

3. Invest In Sand or Cat Litter

There is a chance you could get caught in snow this winter, even the big trucks do. Keeping a bag of sand or kitty litter in the car can help you get out.

Place sand or litter under the wheels, then when ready slowly straighten the wheels and accelerate. Try not to spin the tires, that can dig you deeper into the snow.

4. Minimize Distractions

The risk of accidents increase tremendously with snow and ice on the road. Being aware of your surroundings is more important than queuing the next song.

With TreadShare ask new friends to be DJ and use features on your phone to decrease distractions (like Focus on iPhone).

5. Respect Snowplows

Keeping your distance from the snowplows is important when they’re focusing on clearing the roads.

Move over and go around the plow. Watch out some snow debris can hit your windshield making it difficult to see the road.

6. Use AWD and 4WD

Some may think they don’t need AWD or 4WD in Colorado snow, but they will be the ones slipping all over the road.

While 4WD or AWD are great features to help traction and not feeling like your car is on an ice rink, simply slow down and take your time.

7. Watch for Deer

Did you know November is the No. 1 month for vehicle collisions with dear, followed by October and December. When driving through mountain corridors or where dear are present be on the lookout.

8. Be Watching for Black Ice

Black ice is where the road looks wet, but is actually covered in ice. The main cause of black ice is changing temperatures. During the day snow and ice can thaw, but as the temperature drops later in the day, the water may turn to ice.

Pay attention to changing temperature conditions and be aware of outside temperatures getting close to or below freezing.

9. Don’t Use Cruise Control

As nice as cruise control is, resist the urge to use it when driving in snow, ice or slush.

With the dangers of black ice or snow ahead these conditions could result in losing control of the vehicle with cruise control on. The system may not react as quickly as you could if you feel a loss in traction.

10. Carry Emergency Supplies

Plan for the unexpected.

We suggest having a back-up of non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, cellphone charger, flashlight, clothes, first-aid kit, tire pressure gauge, small shovel, prescriptions, and anything else you may need if trapped in your car.

11. Inspect Tires and Wiper Blades

Keep an eye on tires, making sure each is properly inflated and each have sufficient amount of tread. If tread looks worn, replace your tires. With ice and snow, good tires and tread is a must. Have a spare in your car and proper tools to change a tire or repair one.

Safety first! Keeping streaky and dull wiper blades will only do you harm this winter. Your vision through the windshield will look better with new ones.

12. Stay Home

If road conditions are too dangerous, your safety is more important than trying to drive. Only go out if necessary.