I grew up in Wisconsin driving in snow. Even during a stint where I lived and worked in the Caribbean, I found ways to get to the snowy mountains to ski every year. Today, I drive the sketchy I-70 in Colorado nearly every week. I’m sitting at Copper Mountain as I type this.
The reason: I know how to drive in the snow safely.
Even with a modern, high-tech vehicle, your skills as a driver are critical. After recently driving from the On-Snow Demo ski test in Winter Park, Colo., in a whipping snowstorm, I was reminded that the remarkably capable GMC Acadia I was testing only enhanced my skills. But it wasn’t a substitute for smart driving.
Drive in Snow: What Not to Do
First, check out the video below. There’s not much the drivers in Montreal could have done. That’s just an insanely slick road. But, without going into a full-blown rant, let’s just say that a lot of drivers make foolish mistakes when the white hits the ground.
Want to end up in the ditch with them? Here’s how.
Drive Fast
If the roads are snowy or icy, slow down! Like, a lot. Go slower than the speed limit — sometimes a lot slower. If you’re from Texas or California and zipping past a lot of vehicles with Colorado plates while rolling up I-70, you’re probably driving too fast.
Make Sudden Lane Changes
Want to spin out on a slippery road? Quickly turning your wheels is a surefire way to lose control when it’s slick. Instead, make smooth, steady turns. Don’t try to suddenly dart from lane to lane.
Slam on the Brakes
Modern cars have darned good anti-lock braking systems. But you know what? Not everyone has them. Moreover, you should simply practice cautious, slow movements when driving on snowy roads, and that includes braking.
Drive defensively, and start braking much earlier than you would need to on dry or even wet pavement.
Mash on the Gas
Look at Your Phone
Drive on Bald Tires
