Tips for Driving in Winter Weather

With icy roads today, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety offers these winter weather driving tips to motorists. Slow down for wet, snowy, or icy conditions. You will be more likely to maintain control of your vehicle at lower speeds. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These are all potential problem spots for black ice, which is a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see especially at night. Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Avoid excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle. When you are driving on snow, ice or wet roads, avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roadways, which tend to freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Be aware that road conditions are constantly changing. Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions.