Top Tips to Drive Safely During Winter

Driving in winter weather can be risky and unpredictable if you’re not careful enough. In fact, for drivers unfamiliar with the road conditions of Victoria during winter, things can get tricky pretty fast once they’re behind the steering wheel. If you’re going to drive on the roads of places like Clayton or Oakleigh, being aware of what to do during unexpected situations can be a blessing. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or have recently enrolled at a driving school, here are the top tips that you can follow to stay safe on the roads in winter:

Beware of Skidding

Winter in Victoria can bring moderate to light precipitation over the region, which increases the chances of vehicles skidding on the road. As such, if you’re driving after winter rain, make sure to go slow so that your tyres can have better traction and grip on the wet road. To better control your vehicle, accelerate, corner and brake as smoothly as you can.

Check Your Speed

If you have been to a driving school, you might remember your instructor talking about the importance of signed speed limits. While driving in winter through Clayton or Oakleigh, focus on those speed limit signs as if your life depends on them. Keeping an eye on your speedometer is one of the best ways to have more control of your vehicle in wintery weather.

Steer Clear of Hydroplaning

Also known as aquaplaning, hydroplaning refers to water accumulation between the road’s surface and your vehicle’s tyres. It can drastically reduce the grip or traction of your tyres on the road. Hydroplaning can occur when you’re driving through big puddles formed due to slow-draining rainfall. If it feels like your vehicle is hydroplaning or sliding on the surface of the road, do not apply the brakes all of a sudden, as it can lock your wheels and make your vehicle spin out of control. Instead, find an open clear space and slowly steer your vehicle towards it. You can also reduce the chances of hydroplaning by ensuring your tyres have enough tread. At any experienced driving school. new drivers are usually taught to keep a tread of 1.5mm across the tyre width.

Maintain Enough Distance Between You and the Car Ahead

In winter weather, it is ideal to keep a driving distance of 4 seconds or more between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Drivers of larger vehicles are usually advised to add another second for every 3 m/s of the vehicle. Doing so can allow you to brake safely in case you need to stop abruptly, without sliding and crashing into the vehicle ahead of you.

Conclusion

If you want to learn more about driving through the treacherous roads of Victoria during winter, the best way to do so would be to join an experienced driving school in Clayton or Oakleigh.

Remember, it’s better to stay prepared and exercise caution than be in a sticky situation and have regrets later. Safe driving equals safe living!

Author Bio:

The author is the owner of a driving school in Clayton and Oakleigh, and shares daily articles on the internet about driving tips and courses in Victoria.