Tips for Driving in Ice and Snow

January 2015
driving in sioux city, iowa on ice and snowy roads

Iowa sees its fair share of severe winter weather, from snow storms to freezing rain. If you have to drive when the roads are snowy, slick, and icy, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions behind the wheel.

The following tips are some of the top winter weather driving advice offered by AAA.

Never Warm Up a Car in an Enclosed Space

It might be warmer in the garage, but letting your vehicle run in an enclosed space can allow dangerous and even deadly levels of carbon monoxide to build up. Open your garage door or move your car outside before starting it up.

Keep Your Car’s Gas Tank at Least Half Full

By keeping your tank at least half full, you can avoid frozen gas lines, a costly repair.

Don’t Use Cruise Control in Bad Weather

Cruise control can delay your reaction time, leading to accidents. When you’re driving on snowy, icy, or wet roads, you need to be as alert as possible. You also need to have full control of your vehicle in the event your car or truck slips or skids.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Leave early enough to allow yourself to take your time behind the wheel. Excessive speed is one of the most common causes of winter weather accidents. According to AAA, the normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds increases to eight to ten seconds for wet pavement. Budget your driving time to account for a slower trip.

Iowa Personal Injury Law Firm

If you have been injured in a winter weather accident caused by another person’s negligence, it’s important to speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact Attorney Ed Keane today at (712) 234-3088 to discuss your case.

This website has been prepared by Keane Law Firm for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.