If You Have to Drive in the Snow, Use These Tips to Stay Safe
Governor Charlie Baker issued a state of emergency Monday banning all travel during the snowstorm and asking residents to stay indoors until Wednesday (though the ban was later lifted in four western counties, it’s still in effect for most of the state). Despite this, some cars were on the road on Tuesday.
Over the last decade, more than 200,000 car crashes occurred nationwide as a result of snowy weather, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The most dangerous place to be during a winter storm is in a vehicle, according to the National Weather Service.
If you do need to go out, here are a few tips to remember. Some may seem self-explanatory, but, according to AAA, they are the most common ways drivers find themselves stuck on the road during a snowstorm.
When you’re digging your car out, make sure the hood, roof, and lights are clear of all snow and ice. Before starting the car, make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the vehicle.
When the red light turns green, accelerate slowly. This helps your car regain traction and avoids skids.
When there’s a car in front of you, keep about 8 to 10 seconds away. This will ensure there will be enough time to stop if you have to.
When powering up a hill, don’t stop. But don’t gun it, either. It’s easier to make it to the top when the car is already in motion, but hitting the gas too hard may get the wheels spinning. Get some momentum on the flat roadway and let it carry you up the hill.
When heading down a hill, take it slow. Assume it will take many more seconds to fully brake than it does when roads are clear. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recommends looking ahead and braking early. Even SUVs should take it slow — many are heavier than sedans and can take longer to stop, especially on a downward slope.
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