MILWAUKEE — The biggest snowfall we have seen this season is on the way and AAA is reminding us of some winter driving tips to keep us safe out on the roads.
Six to 11 inches of snow is expected to fall over the weekend, but due to the fact that we haven't seen much snow yet this season, many of us might need a refresher on some winter driving tips.
Driving in the snow can be challenging, especially when it's the first big snowfall of the season. So, here are a few tips to keep you safe out on the roads:
- Stay home: Only go out if it's necessary. It is best to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
- Drive slowly: The faster you're going, the less traction your vehicle will have on the road. Take it slow and minimize your chance of sliding on ice.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads so start breaking earlier than normal in order to make sure you stop in time. Additionally, accelerate slowly. Again, there's less traction when the roads are icy so limit your chances of skidding by taking it easy on the gas petal.
- Increase your following distance: Give yourself five or six seconds between your car and the one in front of you. This gives you more space to stop if need be.
- Know your brakes: Whether you have anti-lock breaks 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.
- Don't stop if you can avoid it: There's a big difference between the amount of inertia it takes to get going from a stop and the amount it takes to accelerate while rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
- Don't power up hills: Don't apply extra gas when going uphill. Instead, try to get a little inertia before you reach the hill and let that carry you up. Once you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
- Don't stop going uphill: There's nothing worse than trying to get up a hill when it's icy. Even worse though, is stopping on a hill. Build up some inertia on a flat roadway before you take on the hill. .
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