Due to the geographical aspects of Philadelphia, the environment plays a great factor in driving during winter due to challenging weather conditions, which usually include snow, ice, or freezing rain. Hence, extra caution should be taken while driving during the winter in Philadelphia; even though professional driving institutes like Five Stars Driving School provide exceptional and comprehensive driving classes covering the most required practical training, inclusive of safe driving tips in winter along with skills to overcome the harsh and hazardous road conditions.
We have prepared the most essential top 10 safe driving tips in winter in Philadelphia for overcoming the challenging road conditions, as follows:
- Prepare your vehicle for winter.
The first and foremost significant tip is to prepare your vehicle before setting out on a drive. You should ensure that your vehicle is winter-ready with antifreeze, properly inflated tires, and winter windshield wiper fluid. In areas where snowfall or icy roads are possible, you should consider using winter tires offering better traction purposely for safe driving in snow and ice.
- Check the weather forecast.
It might sound basic, but most of us skip checking the weather forecast, which might result in lethality. Hence, we recommend you always check the weather forecast before heading out, since snow or ice storms can start abruptly in Philadelphia. It is also a wise decision to postpone travel when the conditions are severe until the roads are safer.
- Remove all snow and ice off your vehicle.
It is crucial to understand the need for proper removal of snow and ice from your vehicle, especially from windows, mirrors, headlights, and the top, as snow or ice chunks flying off the vehicle can be hazardous to other drivers on the road and also reduce your visibility.
- Drive slowly and maintain a safe distance.
Yet another one of the important safe driving tips in winter is to drive slowly and maintain safe distance on the road. Since winter road conditions may be icy tops, which can increase stopping distances, you should give yourself extra space to stop than usual.
- Avoid sudden movements.
Due to the higher chances of the roads being slippery, sudden movements like abrupt braking, accelerating, or steering should be avoided, which results in loss of control. Five Stars Driving School has been popularly known to provide expert training focused on making all maneuvers smoothly and gradually to maintain control, preventing accidents from happening.
- Use your lights wisely.
Most of the drivers have been found to be ignorantly using high beams almost all of the time. It is best to keep your headlights on during overcast or snowy weather to make your vehicle visible on the road, but using high beams should be avoided, especially in heavy snow or fog, as they can reduce your visibility.
- Know how to handle a skid.
It is very common for vehicles to skid on the roads of Philadelphia during winter; hence, you need to know how to handle a skid if it ever happens to you. So, keep it strictly in mind that if your vehicle starts to skid, firstly stay calm and do not panic; you should actually steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. Then you should ease off the accelerator to regain control.
- Keep a winter emergency kit.
Driving a vehicle in winter despite following all the protocols of safe driving may result in unforeseen misfortunes. So in such worst-case scenarios, a winter emergency kit comes in handy; hence, every vehicle should be equipped with it. A winter emergency kit should generally include items like a blanket, flashlight, essential first-aid kit, shovel, ice scraper, extra gloves, and non-perishable snacks. It is also highly recommended that you carry a portable charger or a power bank with you in case of need to use phones for navigating or making emergency calls that might drain the battery too soon.
- Be cautious on bridges and overpasses.
You should be aware that bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other roads, so always approach them with extra caution. You should slow down and avoid any sudden moves while driving over them. Maintaining a steady low speed also helps in safety.
- Stay focused and avoid distractions.
One of the most important tips is staying focused and avoiding distractions, more while winter driving than during other times of the year. Full attention should be given to driving, and distractions like using phones, adjusting the radio, eating, and drinking should be strictly avoided. You should keep your hands on the wheel and your focus on the road at all times.
Conclusion
All of the Top 10 safe driving tips in winter in Philadelphia, as described above, are quite mandatory and ensure a safer winter driving experience. Furthermore, contact Five Stars Driving School for comprehensive driving classes that aid in boosting confidence, mastering maneuvers, and winter driving skills, and being prepared for any surprises the winter weather may bring.