We wanted to share some winter driving tips from the Iowa DOT. As with most tips some may be considered common sense, but much of the advice below you may not have even considered!
-- Do not use cruise control.
-- Keep a safe distance from vehicles in adjacent lanes as strong wind gusts could push a vehicle outside its lane of travel.
-- Be aware that ramps and bridges may freeze before other roadway segments.
-- Put a safe distance between your vehicle, and the vehicle a head in case sudden driving maneuvers are necessary.
-- Take extra care if driving a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, or sports utility vehicle, or when towing a trailer, as these vehicles are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by wind gusts.
-- Your vehicle’s headlights are a valuable asset when driving in winter weather. Turn them on to see and be seen.
-- If your vehicle begins to slide, take your foot off the gas pedal and shift into neutral, or if you have a manual transmission, depress the clutch. While it may be a natural instinct to slam on your brakes, this may cause your vehicle to slide further and result in loss of vehicle control. Tap the brake pedal lightly.
-- If you have an idea that there may be ice ahead (if you see vehicles ahead of you sliding, for example), downshift to a lower gear before you come onto the ice. The lower gear will force you to drive more slowly and give you better control of your vehicle.
-- If your vehicle does begin to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. This should help to steer your vehicle back on the right track.
-- Do not think you are invincible just because you drive a four-wheel drive truck or sports utility vehicle. Four-wheel drive vehicles have no advantage over other vehicles when it comes to driving on ice.
DOT officials said winter driving is always unpredictable, so be PREPARED for the unexpected.
Keep your windshield washer full and have good wiper blades so that you can keep the windshield clear.
Keep plenty of fuel in the tank. You never know when you may be delayed or stranded.
Pack a winter survival kit to keep in your vehicle. Suggested items include jumper cables, blankets, candles, matches, water, extra clothing, boots, snow shovel, ice scraper, high calorie non-perishable foods, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, and sand or strips of carpet for traction.
The best tip for winter driving can sometimes be to stay
home! If you crash on a bad road the very least you will be late.
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