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Learn the key risks of winter driving in Shenandoah Valley and discover essential steps to prepare your vehicle and stay safe on icy, snowy roads.
The leaves are changing here in Shenandoah Valley, bringing beautiful scenic views and signaling that it’s time to start preparing for winter. For many of us, this includes making sure that our vehicles are ready for icy and snowy roads and other dangers associated with winter driving.
Shenandoah Valley is considered a snowy part of the country, averaging about 22 inches of snow per year, with the higher elevations seeing even greater accumulations.
This guide discusses the risks involved with winter driving and offers a few simple precautions you can take to avoid them.
Winter Weather-Related Driving Risks
The winter months bring increased risks for vehicle crashes. Even though the winter represents just one-quarter of the year, data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that almost half (46%) of traffic crashes involving adverse weather occur during this time. Icy conditions alone result in about 156,000 crashes per year, while 17% of reported crashes happen in snowy weather.
These crashes can be deadly, as can becoming stranded in your vehicle during winter weather. In Virginia, about 70% of snow-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Many of these risks are avoidable through education and prevention efforts. However, a recent study shows that about 30% of drivers don’t do regular vehicle checks to prepare for winter weather. Even if you don’t have any experience with car maintenance, you may be able to complete some of these checks on your own, while professionals are recommended for a more complete safety assurance.
Here are some steps you can take to stay safe on the roads this winter.
Tips for Safe Driving This Winter
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) encourages motorists to avoid non-essential travel during winter weather. If you are able to stay home during snowy or icy weather, or when it is predicted, it is probably best to do so. However, not everyone has this choice, and winter weather can sneak up on even the most accurate of forecasters.
The following tips include ways to prepare your vehicle for winter driving as well as tips for safe driving in icy and snowy conditions.
- Plan on a Longer Stopping Distance
Winter roads can be especially slick, often taking your car longer to stop after you apply the brakes. In fact, AAA reports that it can take up to 10 times longer for your car to come to a stop on snowy roads.
- Do a Vehicle Check
Nobody wants to have to pull over because of a vehicle malfunction during winter weather. In addition to making sure that you’re keeping up with scheduled maintenance, AAA recommends checking your battery, brakes, belts, hoses, oil and other fluids, tires, and other vehicle systems before winter weather arrives.
- Keep Pace with Traffic = Slow Down
Keep in mind that posted speeds are for ideal road conditions. Major roads experience anywhere from 30% to 40% reductions in traffic speed when conditions are icy or slushy. For example, people will tend to drive about 39 to 45 mph in what is normally a 65 mph zone.
Even if you have winter tires, driving slower to keep pace with traffic can help keep you and other drivers safe on slick roads.
- Consider Getting Winter Tires
Speaking of winter tires … data shows that they work. A recent report out of Manitoba found that winter tire use resulted in a 6.3% reduction in collision claims. Further, when accidents did occur, damage severity was 5.7% lower than it was for accidents involving vehicles without winter tires.
- Clear Snow and Ice From Your Car Before Driving
Leaving snow or ice on your hood, windshield, roof, or trunk can create safety hazards for yourself and other drivers. If it dislodges while you’re driving, it may block your visibility or hit another car, increasing the risk of an accident in already treacherous road conditions.
- Keep a Winter Kit in Your Vehicle
A simple action you can take to stay safe on the roads during icy, snowy, or very cold weather is to keep a winter kit in your car.
Groups like VDOT and AAA recommend including the following items:
- blanket
- boots
- bottled water
- cat litter or sand (for adding traction if tires get stuck in snow or ice)
- first aid kit
- flares
- flashlight with extra batteries
- gloves
- ice scraper
- jumper cables
- map
- non-perishable foods
- phone charger
- shovel
- Avoid Driving Anywhere Near Empty
To keep your fuel line from freezing, and to have enough fuel in case of becoming stranded, AAA also recommends keeping your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter months.
People also might leave their vehicles running in the winter to warm up, or stay warm, before driving, which can drain fuel faster. While idling, a typical car burns about .2 to .5 gallons of gas per hour, while a light-duty truck burns about 1 gallon of diesel fuel per hour.
Final Thoughts
The winter can be a peaceful, beautiful time of year, but driving on snowy or icy roads can be stressful. Taking the time to make sure you’re prepared for driving in winter weather conditions can keep you both safe and less stressed in the coming months.
Brian Omps Towing & Repair is here to help you check all the appropriate items off your winter driving safety list. We also offer 24/7 towing services if the need arises.
