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FAMILY Lifestyle
INSURANCE
INSIGHT
What Winter Weather Means For Driving
By Keith Brooks, State Farm Insurance
It is the season for changing
leaves, pumpkin spice everything,
warm memories and huge meals
with those we love the most, and
finding that perfect Christmas
tree. But if we are honest, it often
brings a little bit of chaos, too—
and that can include the roads.
Being a better driver means giving
your vehicle the tender loving care
it needs: regular oil changes and a
thorough cleaning, for example. But
learning more about the weather
can also make an impact on your
daily driving habits and how you
respond to conditions on the road.
Unpredictable weather—especially
between winter and spring—can
pose plenty of driving challenges.
Here’s what you need to know
about the weather and your drive.
Rain + Freezing Temps = Slick Roads
This combination can transform
roads from dry to slippery in just
minutes. Bridges and overpasses
may present particular dangers.
Driving strategy: If it starts to
drizzle during your drive, take
precautions. Turn on headlights to
improve visibility, and increase your
driving distance between cars to six
seconds rather than three. Avoid
sudden braking to prevent skids.
Avoid slamming on the brakes or
abruptly correcting your steering. If
38 • Saline County Lifestyles
your vehicle begins to hydroplane,
ease off the gas pedal and steer
straight until you regain control.
Warm Days + Overnight
Freezing = Black Ice
When snow melts during a warm
winter day but freezes again overnight,
black ice can form. It’s not actually
black—just a very thin, shiny sheet
of ice that’s often difficult to detect.
Driving strategy: If possible,
delay driving until temperatures
warm. Otherwise, drive at slowerthan-posted
speeds and increase
your following distance.
Gusty Winds + Temperature
Drop = Road Instability
As cold fronts move in, winds often
pick up speed. Strong gusts can affect
how your car handles, even if you’re
driving at normal speeds. Especially
after a snowfall, blustery conditions
can result in fallen branches, poor
visibility, and downed power lines.
Driving strategy: Slow down so
it’s easier to brake and handle your