Everyone forgets how to drive as the seasons change. It’s an unavoidable truth of life.

The majority of collisions in the winter and early spring are caused by driving too fast and following too closely. On roads with mud, ice, or snow, we often forget that stopping takes longer.

1. Prior to Leaving

• Be prepared and equipped for the weather, even if you’re only driving a few blocks.
• Clear your windshield, lights, and windows to ensure proper visibility.
• Maintain a full gas tank. A less-than-full tank is more likely to condense, which can lead to gas-line freezing. Also, you’ll be less likely to run out of gas while travelling.

2. Keep an eye on your speed

On roads and highways, speed limits represent the highest speed possible under perfect road and weather conditions. When driving in less-than-ideal weather (wet, slick, muddy, or snow-covered roads; driving in the snow, fog, or rain), you should:

• Slow down and adjust your speed.

• Drive at a safe speed that allows you to maintain control of your car.

• On rainy or slick roads, never use cruise control.

• When approaching highway repair equipment, be extremely cautious and never pass on the right.

• Look ahead for at least 15 to 20 seconds and slow down if vision is impaired.

3. Make Some Room

When compared to driving on dry pavement, stopping your vehicle on soft or loose snow can take up to three times the distance, while stopping your vehicle on icy winter roads can take up to 12 times the distance.

Keep a minimum of 3 seconds of gap between you and the vehicle ahead of you when calculating how much room to leave between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.