In Atlanta, Georgia, winters are relatively mild. However, you should still expect some occasional ice and snow. Here are some of the best ways to stay safe when you drive in winter weather.
Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle
If you get stranded because of winter weather, the right supplies can help you stay safe until the roads become easier to travel or help arrives. You should keep an ice scraper handy to remove ice and snow from your windshield and the top of your vehicle. Some old floor mats or carpeting, kitty litter, or sand can add traction under the tires if you end up getting stuck.
You should also have a flashlight, an emergency charger or an extra battery for your phone, a tire jack, a spare tire, a tire gauge, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. Some bottles of water and granola bars, trail mix, or similar snacks will keep you and your passengers from getting too hungry, and a few books or magazines can help you stay occupied if you need to wait for a tow truck. You should also have some warm clothing or extra blankets.
Drive Slowly
Just a few patches of ice or snow can reduce traction, making accidents more likely. Bad weather can also reduce your visibility. Check the weather before you travel anywhere and wait for good road conditions if possible. If you have to drive, go slowly and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles. You may not be able to stop quickly if the roads are slippery. Ice often forms on bridges before other parts of roads, so you should slow down even more when going over them.
Reducing your speed will make turning, handling curves, and controlling your car in snow or heavy wind easier, as well. If driving becomes too difficult, pull over and turn on your car’s emergency lights until the weather gets better. If there’s a snowplow in front of you, don’t attempt to pass it. The road in front of it may not be safe for driving. People who don’t have much experience driving in ice or snow should be especially careful. They should start with less crowded roads and practice in an empty parking lot if possible.
Stay Away From Roads That Are Difficult to Drive
Most cities remove snow from the busiest roads first. You should stay on main roads as much as possible. Don’t try to get through deep water, snow, or slush. Debris, such as tree branches or even fallen trees, could be hidden underneath it and you could get a flat tire or damage your vehicle’s undercarriage driving through it. Also, don’t attempt to drive up or down steep hills if they have ice or snow.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle winter weather and keep you and your passengers safe, visit Billy Howell Ford Lincoln. We offer a wide inventory, and our experienced employees are happy to answer all of your questions.
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