Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean Old Man Winter is going anywhere. In fact, with another major holiday rearing its head, drivers are still at risk of some pretty dangerous habits—whether their own or others’. Now, you may know what you’re doing behind the wheel, but that doesn’t mean other people do, and that uncertainty causes more than its fair share of issues.
Annual estimates already gauge that hundreds of fatalities occur on the roads in America alone, but it’s not just speeding or driving under the influence you have to worry about. Common nasty behaviors, such as tailgating, fatigue, and overconfidence in all-wheel drive, can also cause serious injuries on the road. With winter still well underway, it’s high time we explored some of the worst driving habits to keep an eye on!
It Isn’t Just You Out There
No, we don’t mean other motorists. We mean emergency responders and snow plows! Plows are some of the important vehicles on the road during the wintertime, which means they’re everywhere. The thing is, before they clear the streets, you need to worry about their size.
If you haven’t noticed, plows are pretty big; they sometimes eat up more than one lane on the road. They also kick up huge clouds of snow or debris that then impede your vision. When you see one coming, it’s best to move out of the way and let it clear the road.
Emergency responders also demand respect, and it’s no different during the holiday season. You already know what to do if they speed by, but even stationary vehicles deserve room. Refrain from speeding by an accident, and definitely don’t rubberneck either.
Don’t Drive if You’re Exhausted
We’ve all heard how dangerous driving under the influence is, but did you know that driving drowsy is just as harmful? It’s easy to assume after a long day of errands that you have enough juice in the tank to bring you home, but exhaustion impedes everything from your reaction time to your depth perception—and paired with dangerous winter conditions, it’s a recipe for disaster.
The holidays are no joke. We’re all burned out from work, we’re pumped full of turkey, and we’re in desperate need of a vacation; together, that deadly trio leads to everyday fatigue that makes driving even worse during the colder months. Not to mention, when you throw kids into the mix, you’re looking at even more distractions!
If you anticipate that dreaded exhaustion, make plans to spend the night at your family’s house. You can also leave a little earlier to avoid driving in the dark, or even take a power nap on the sofa before hitting the road.
Leave Enough Time to Arrive Safely
Hey, we’re all excited for a holiday party, but that’s no excuse to blow past the speed limit. Speeding is already dangerous and expensive enough without the added worry of hazardous conditions. Take your average travel time into consideration and tack on an extra 20 minutes; you won’t rush on the road, and you’ll feel way less anxious.
Keep an eye out for tailgaters, as well. The holidays are a classic time for poor driving, and even when you take the necessary precautions, that doesn’t mean other motorists will. Depending on your vehicle, you’ll need anywhere from three to 12 times the amount of space to stop in time on icy roads. That means a greater following distance and even more attention paid to your surroundings.
Plan your routes ahead of time. Traffic reports alert you to any road closures or construction zones, which eliminates you having to think on the fly. You’ll also know just how much time to add to your journey should you need a new route, or want to avoid busy areas.
Take Care of Your Vehicle
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Vehicle maintenance is a year-round chore, but it’s especially important during the winter. Snow and freezing rain can wreak havoc on your car, and worse than that, they can impair its ability to operate correctly. If you don’t have access to a garage, car covers and sealants work wonders to prevent expensive repairs and frozen door handles.
Other drivers also benefit from your diligence. When cleaning your car, scrape everything clean! Wiping snow off the roof of your car prevents hazards from hitting other cars or landing on the road. Make sure you scrape that ice off your windshield, too—it’s not just about line of sight, it’s about reduced glare, too.
Of course, we can’t forget about our winter tires. Yes, it’s a pain to swap them out every year, but it’s a bigger pain to skid on black ice or drive straight into a telephone pole. You can be the best driver in the world, but without the right equipment, you’re opening the door for danger, and it’s just not worth it.
