As the winter season commences, it’s important to remind drivers, new and old, of tips for driving safely in winter conditions to keep everyone safe this holiday season.
Syracuse University’s Hall of Languages from University Avenue through flurries of snow
Break out your coats and gloves because winter has arrived in snowy Syracuse, New York, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. It is the “Snowiest City” in the United States, according to a Redfin article, with an average annual snowfall of about 130 inches. The main culprit of the area’s high precipitation is its prime location in upstate New York. Being just east of Lake Ontario, the area is susceptible to lake-effect snowstorms, which happen when air enters the region and travels over the warmer lakes, creating heavy snow.
With high snowfall totals each year, residents of the area must become accustomed to driving in dangerous, snowy conditions. Making sure you and your car are prepared for the slippery roads before you start driving is important, but what does this look like?
Valerie Puma, a AAA communications specialist in Western and Central New York, outlined some things drivers can do before they hit the road.
- Make sure tire pressure and tread are good to go
- Stock up on car fluids
- Have an emergency roadside kit with jumper cables, flashlight, and mobile phone charger
- Bring snacks and water
- Store extra clothing like gloves, scarves, and hats in the trunk
Having your car prepared and equipped with all the essentials for driving in snowy conditions is a key factor in keeping you safe on the road. Another thing Puma mentioned motorists should check is their car battery, as they’ve already had many calls about them this winter. Staying up to date is important because batteries may not last as long as the standard 3-5 years in the cold region we live in.
Waverly Avenue from inside Syracuse University’s Newhouse School on a winter’s day
While it may seem obvious, once drivers are on the road, Puma says, “it’s important to go slow on ice and snow.” This guideline applies to all drivers, but it’s especially important for those who have little experience in these harsh conditions. AAA recommends that new drivers become comfortable with how their cars operate in the snow. Puma says you can learn how your vehicle responds to cold conditions by practicing in empty parking lots.
Learning about your car is a key factor to keeping you and other drivers safe this holiday season, but Puma emphasized how your speed could be the determining factor.
“The most important thing is driving slowly, driving carefully, you know, you don’t want to accelerate or brake too quickly because that is where you could lose traction and lose control of your vehicle.”
Driving slowly will allow your tires to gain traction with the road and prevent your car from slipping. Puma also notes that slowing down on turns and keeping a lot of space between you and the vehicle in front can help you drive safely this winter. By creating more space between your car and other vehicles, you give yourself more time to react appropriately to how others are driving, potentially preventing an accident.
Puma wants drivers to know the role they play in keeping everyone safe, because at the end of the day, safety is the most important thing during the holiday season. If you do end up sliding off the side of the road, it’s important to stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on, as others may do the same.
For more information on how to drive safely this winter, visit AAA’s website.