Handling The Snow on The Roads

Lets face it.  Driving in winter weather can be a chore, especially during the first accumulating snow of the season. 

You have to remember to slow it down and allow yourself enough time to get where you're going.  Also, giving yourself a lot of room between you and the car in front of you is a good idea.  Keep in mind bridges and overpasses freeze first.  If you are driving in snow, you should never be using cruise control.  Make sure to use low gears to keep traction, especially in hilly areas. 

If your rear wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go.  If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.  If you have anti-lock ones (ABS), don't pump the brakes.  Apply pressure, and you should feel a pulsing sensation.

If your front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral.  Don't steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return.  Steer in the direction you want and put the car in drive.  Accelerate gently.

If you get stuck, turn your wheels from side to side.  Try rocking the vehicle going from forward to reverse and then back again.  But do this with caution.  Have an emergency kit of blankets, flares, and trail mix in your car in case you are stranded.