Snow is a weather phenomenon that puts novice drivers and more to the test.
We must always be more careful in winter than in other seasons. I say this because of the dangers that may arise this season. Therefore, we must keep in mind many things so as not to create new problems for ourselves and other traffic participants.
Winter driving involves several factors that we will exemplify below
In the following I will mention some essential tips to avoid the risk of a road event that is smaller or larger.
- Make sure you have a full tank if you are not refueling.
- Clean the headlights and taillights and indicators so that they are as visible as possible before leaving.
- Before driving, fasten your seat belt, make sure you have supplies of food, water and the necessary thick clothing and medicines, especially if there are children, the elderly or people with various ailments in the car. One never knows when danger may lurk.
- You have a shovel, chains and obviously winter tires that are mandatory according to Romanian law from November 1 to March 1.
- It is also very important that when you get in the car and want to get out of the snow is to use the second gear for starting at the same time with the balance, introduction in gear 1 or 2 and reverse (Reverse) without excessive acceleration .
- Drive at a slow speed to avoid sudden braking which can lead to an accident with damage or worse with casualties.
- We must keep in mind that the traffic in winter is difficult and any brake applied in advance, much earlier will help us not to hit the car in front and cause a traffic accident.
- Driving in winter requires much more attention as the road can have snow or mud with low aeration as opposed to driving on dry roads with good grip
- Running at a higher speed than we use in warmer seasons. Using a higher gear decreases the torque transmitted by the engine to the wheels. This translates into a reduced risk of losing grip and slipping.
- No sudden changes of direction will be made to avoid obstacles. A sudden change of direction on a slippery road will cause the car to skid.
- Avoid excessive acceleration, sudden braking. Even if the vehicles have an ABS system, it does not help you when you brake suddenly on a slippery road.
- It should be noted that when the road is slippery due to snow, ice, etc., the safety distance between vehicles will increase considerably.
- It is best to brake early or use the engine brake, ie downshifting from higher to lower gears and light braking. We all know that the braking space increases a lot when there are unfavorable weather conditions such as snow, frost.
I will return in a future article with other essential tips on preventive behavior in winter, in urban and rural areas.
These tips I hope will help you whether you are a beginner or have some experience.
Until then, only good and drive carefully!