winter driving tips, winter hauling tips, winter horse trailer tips, horse hauling tips, winter hauling tips
In winter,
weather and
driving conditions
can change
rapidly. Be aware
of your environment,
and keep
track of the driving
conditions ahead.
With winter weather approaching,
it is important to maintain your tow
vehicle and trailer, and follow these
winter-driving tips.
Go slow. Follow this rule of thumb:
“rain, ice, and snow — take it slow.”
Slow down even more when approaching
curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges.
Avoid abrupt actions, such
as quick lane changes, braking, and
accelerating.
Check the weather. Before setting
out on a trip, check weather reports,
and plan accordingly. In many states,
you can dial 5-1-1 for travel conditions
and road closures, or visit www.
worldtravelers.org. Allow extra time
for inclement weather. Be aware of
changing conditions. Look ahead, and
keep track of the driving conditions in
front of you. Actions by other drivers
can alert you to problems and give you
time to react. Be on the lookout for
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Winter-Driving Tips
black ice, which is difficult to see.
Don’t become overconfident. Don’t
be susceptible to the false security of
four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive may
help you go, but it won’t help you stop.
Use your headlights. Always drive
with your headlights on during inclement
weather, even if it isn’t dark. In fact,
drive with headlights on any time when
trailering, regardless of weather, to
increase your visibility.
Increase distance. During inclement
weather, double the normal distance
between vehicles to allow more stopping
room.
Brake gently. Stopping on snow or
ice without skidding and/or jackknifing
takes extra distance. Use brakes very
gently to avoid skidding. If you begin
to skid or jackknife, ease up on the
brake, and steer into the skid to regain
control.
Turn off cruise control. Avoid using
6
cruise control on slick roads to help
maintain control of your vehicle.
Invest in snow tires. During winter
months, traction tires are recommended.
Such tires must have a
minimum tread depth of one-eighthinch
of tread, and be labeled “Mud and
Snow,” “M+S,” or “All-Season,” or have
a mountain/snowflake symbol. See
your tire dealer to find out which tires
are best for your vehicle.
Carry chains. Comply with the chain
laws in your area, and the area you’ll
be driving through.
Watch for snowplows. Take extra
precaution around snow-removal
equipment. In some cases, the operator’s
vision may be reduced. Give
operators plenty of room, staying at
least 200 feet behind them.
Top off the tank. Re-fuel when your
fuel gauge drops below the halfway
mark. USR
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