Driving in the winter is bad enough, but not many people remember that Winter weather is worse the more north you travel. The way of driving is completely different the more north you travel, and it is because the danger of ice and snow on the road is higher. 

There are many ways that you can stay safe on the road while it is snowing. When there is a higher chance of winter weather at any point, there are more things you need to do to make sure that you are safe. 

Northern Winter Driving Tips

1. Check the weather
2. Pack the essentials
3. Prepare your vehicle
4. “Fill ‘er up”
5. Basic Driving “Times Ten”

Check the Weather Before You Leave

This is an important winter driving safety tip that makes sure that you are prepared for whatever is thrown at you. Weather is a very big and dangerous factor that you need to make into account when you are planning to drive in the north. 

Since the weather is constantly changing, it is best that you check the weather multiple times before your trip. This will ensure that you know what is expected to happen and are ready for the trip ahead. 

The winter driving conditions can impact the conditions of the road. This can cause traffic, but can also cause safety hazards when driving. Making sure to have a well-rounded idea of what the weather is going to be like will ensure you know what to expect.

Pack the Essentials 

Make sure that you are prepared for the impending weather conditions with everything you are going to need. This includes both normal road trip items and winter weather safety items. Make sure that you are prepared for every situation. 

It is important that you grab an ice scraper for your car, as your destination might have more than just fun times in store for you. The normal car jack and spare tire are also important, to make sure you can get back on the road if a flat tire happens. 

Snacks are important as well but can be super messy. Packing foods that are meant to be eaten in a car is the best option to keep you full and your car clean. Make sure to take time to think about what it is that you should bring with you.

Prepare Your Vehicle for the Trip

Bringing your car to the mechanic for a check-up is one of the best options that could do to enhance your safety. It makes sure that any issue is taken care of before it becomes a problem for you to face on the road. 

Make sure that the anti-lock braking system in your car is fully functional, as it will help a lot if you find yourself hydroplaning on ice. Winter conditions are always a variable thing, so be sure that you prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. 

It also makes sure that all of your fluids are full, and your tire pressure is sustainable and ready for the trip. These are important, as it makes sure that your car is ready to do its job properly. 

“Fill ‘er up”: Fill Your Gas Tank and Tires on the Regular

Make sure to fill your gas tank regularly while you are on your trip. In the winter, it is recommended to keep your gas tank above half of a tank. This is one of the most popular winter safe driving tips, especially in the north. 

It is also important to fill your tires or at least check them, regularly as well. Your tires tend to lose air pressure in the winter which can cause not only a lower fuel economy but unsafe driving conditions on snowy roads. 

Flat tires make it harder for your car to grip onto the road, so slipping and sliding on snow and ice is extremely likely. Make sure to fill them whenever you feel they are low on air. This will help on icy roads.

Basic Driving “Times Ten”

All of the things that you were taught in driving school are the rules of the road and should be remembered and respected, especially when it comes to winter driving. You should make sure that you do everything you were taught, but more. 

Bad weather and temperature drops can cause some dangerous situations for you to have to drive in. Remember that the posted speed limit does not necessarily mean that you have to drive that fast. 

Don’t be a victim of distracted driving, or have your cell phone in your hands while driving. Wear your seat belt at all times and always check your blind spots, as there might be someone there. Remember to stay out of the left lane if you plan on driving slow as well. 

Be hyper-vigilant about your surroundings and where you are going. Be on the defensive, as well as offensive, at all times. You might know where you are going and be driving there safely, but that doesn’t mean that others are. 

Blinkers are important,  and they are even more important when it comes to hazardous driving. Making sure to notify others about where you are going on the road enables others to make decisions accordingly. 

Be sure to research driving laws wherever you are going to. Some places might have a more lackadaisical law system in place for winter driving, but up north, it tends to be on the stricter side. Make sure to educate yourself before you have a run-in with the police.

Basic driving skills that are taught when you are young should be enhanced tenfold when it comes to the dangerous situations of winter driving, especially up north. 

If you don’t remember some of the rules of the road or want a refresher, it might benefit you to take a refresher course. While driving schools might be expensive, it is always in your best interest to educate yourself on any updates the laws have. 

They may have some extra highway driving tips that we haven’t covered. This will make sure that you have a well-rounded idea of what you should expect when driving in winter up north. 

Blog by Brooke Lazar