Driving in extreme cold weather especially when snowing during Winter has always been a great challenge to the drivers. During the winter, the rate of accident is always skyrocketing, putting great strain and heavy burden on the police and rescue team. Here are some guides, tips and facts to ensure safety drive in all weather conditions during winter such as windblown snow bursts or snowfall or simply cold icy temperature. The tips or guides hope to reduce possibility for drivers to involve in crash or accident.

Tips and Guides on Preparations for and Precautions while Snowy Winter Driving

• Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so slow down and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Drive at reduced speeds, allowing plenty of time and distance to react to traffic
• Slow down gradually when approaching curves and stops.
• Use your brakes cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause brake lock-up and cause you to lose steering control.
• To make antilock brakes work correctly, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal.
• During an emergency stop, push the brake pedal all the way to the floor, if necessary, even in wet or icy conditions.
• Uncover glass surfaces and keep your windows clear. Take the extra time to defrost and scrape all your windows including mirrors and lights with an ice scraper, brush or spray de-icer.
• Charge batteries. Car batteries lose about 60 percent of their strength at zero degrees. At 32 degrees, a battery is 35 percent weaker.
• Use the right tires. All-weather tires are adequate for most motorists during the winter. Snow tires may be needed in mountainous or northern regions. Four snow tires are required for front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Windshield wipers and defrosters should be in good working order.
• Fill washer reservoirs with no-freeze windshield washer fluid.
• Make sure that cooling system antifreeze is mixed with an equal portion of water for maximum protection.
• Loosen locks. One squirt of de-icer spray can overcome frozen locks. Once thawed, locks should be lubricated with either silicone or lightweight oil. Penetrating oils should be avoided.
• Start vehicles outdoors. It may be cold, but starting motor vehicles in a closed garage or idling engines for long periods of time with the windows closed could be fatal. Carbon monoxide in exhaust fumes is almost impossible to detect and can be fatal when breathed in a confined space.
• Emergency kits to carry in the vehicle which should include a flashlight, lock de-icer, jumper cables, abrasive material to place under wheels for improved traction, a shovel, warning devices, blankets, snow brush/ice scrapers and a cell phone. Palladium-Item has a complete list of items.
• Not to use cruise control on snowy and icy roads as slick spots can form in places where they are least expected and auto-pilot becomes extremely dangerous.
• Maintain a good distance behind a snowplow to avoid collisions as well as damage from flying sand and salt.
• When attempting to pass a highway maintenance vehicle which plows snow, proceed with caution. Stay to the left of the lane to be visible so the snowplow, truck or grader operator can see you in the mirror.
• Turn on headlights to improve visibility. Low-beam headlights is best.
• conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, paying special attention to the condition of tires
• Check for current weather reports through the various media sources or via Internet before travel.
• Keep the radio on for latest rapidly changing weather conditions and road conditions.

Detroit Free Press has more tips for driving in the snow and for prepping your car for the winter.