Winter Weather Driving Survival Guide

DOVER, Del. - From ideal conditions, to a driving nightmare.

During the winter, terrible road conditions can appear, just overnight.

Jim Lardear, of AAA Mid-Atlantic, emphasized focusing on driving as one of the ways to avoid wintery road condition troubles, saying “one of the biggest things that drivers really need to know about is, pay attention to the weather.”

Last January brought intense winter weather and also the busiest month for AAA Mid-Atlantic, averaging over 7000 service calls per day.

DelDot's PR Director Geoff Sundstrom commented on how preparation can help prevent unfortunate automobile troubles, he said ”What we're mostly concerned about is that motorists use the time between now and the first significant snowfall to winterize their vehicles so that they don't get stuck on the road.”

One thing to focus on this winter is the battery, Lardear. He said “one of the most important things is the battery this winter.”and “if your car battery is like 3 or 5 years old, you're gonna want to take it somewhere and get it checked.”

You can be ready for the storm with things like scrapers and jumper cables, warning devices such as markers and flares.

However the safest way to go about winter driving, is to be smart on the road.

“When the road surface is compromised you've just got to reduce your speed so you have adequate room to stop, in case of an emergency and that you are able to keep traction while you're out there.” Said Sundstrom, adding “when you're steering your vehicle and you go into a skid look and steer in the direction that you want your vehicle to go.” and “be patient. Give yourself some extra time. Slow down.”

Taking the time to properly prepare can help make your risk of winter car troubles fall faster than the snow.