When Floridians travel out of state during winter, they often encounter relatively unfamiliar, hazardous road conditions like ice, snow and sleet. These conditions increase the risk of car crashes, so understanding how to drive safely in winter weather is important.
If you’re taking a trip up north this winter, make sure your vehicle is ready for winter travel before leaving Florida. Ensure your tires have sufficient tread to handle icy or snowy roads, as worn tires significantly increase stopping distance and reduce traction. Consider using snow chains if you’re driving in areas that experience heavy snowfall. Also, check that you have enough windshield washer fluid. Icy muck that you can’t effectively clear away can otherwise impair your visibility.
Adjusting your driving habits
Winter driving requires a different approach than driving in mild Florida weather. Start by reducing your speed to give yourself more time to react to sudden changes on the road. Ice and snow make braking more difficult, so maintaining a slower speed allows for a safer stopping distance if the road is slippery.
You’ll also want to be on the lookout for black ice. Black ice is very hard to spot and is one of the biggest dangers of winter driving. Black ice often forms on bridges, overpasses and shaded sections of the road. Drive cautiously in these areas, especially if temperatures are near or below freezing. Snow drifts can also pose a threat, especially on less-traveled roads where snow may accumulate and block your view of the road.
Finally, know that if winter conditions become too severe, it’s usually best to pull over and wait until the weather improves. Heavy snowfall, blizzards and freezing rain can create whiteout conditions that reduce visibility and make driving dangerous. If you decide to pull over, find a safe area, like a rest stop or parking lot, and avoid stopping on the side of the road where visibility is limited.