Driving in the Snow

Copart has four safety tips for anyone driving in the snow. Read to learn more!

If you’ve been driving in Germany for a while, you’re probably familiar with commuting in the snow. For some people, it’s an extremely frustrating experience, while others seem to be professionals at it. No matter which category you belong to, here are some general tips to ensure a safer commute.

Use Winter Tires

It’s not just the law that you must equip winter tires when the season changes, it’s an important safety precaution. According to Car and Driver, Winter tires “use specialized rubber compounds and tread designs that are engineered to maximize traction in freezing temperatures and on icy surfaces.” In other words, winter tires are specifically made to make driving on the snow easier. With that being said, winter tires themselves won’t save you from slipping on ice sludge.

Adjust Your Commute Time

Usually we want to get from one place to another in the quickest amount of time, but when driving on snow and ice, it’s best to take it slow. Plan to leave a little earlier than usual to accommodate for the slower commute and you’ll be less stressed on the road. And remember, the scary thing about driving in the snow and ice is that sometimes you can’t see what’s on the road.

Use Your Lights

Though it might not make sense to use your lights in the middle of the day, snow limits your visual accuracy of both the road and other drivers. Turning your lights on (even in the daytime) can make it easier to see what’s on the road and give other drivers a better sense of your vehicle. Anything you can do to improve the visual conditions on the road will be beneficial.

Consider the Color of Your Car

This isn’t necessarily easy to change, but if you drive a white vehicle, you should consider how much more difficult it will be for other drivers to see your vehicle in the snow. Just like how black cars are harder to see at night, white cars are more difficult to observe in the snow. You can make your car easier to see by using your lights (and make sure to always use your signals when turning or changing lanes).

 Driving on the road in any type of weather can be frustrating, but snow and ice add a new element of risk. Ensure that you are observing safe driving practices in a vehicle that’s outfitted for driving in the snow.

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