Page 17 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – November/December 2021

SAFETY ZONE
Winter
Driving
Review
Make sure you’re prepared with answers to ensure successful driving in snow and icy conditions.
Are four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles better
in the snow?
No. Having power to all wheels helps you move but does not help you steer or stop. Driving a vehicle with minimal ability to do this sounds like a crash waiting to happen. Many performance cars are now all-wheel drive. This does not mean they are good in snow. On dry pavement, the all-wheel drive allows for very quick acceleration. To drive these vehicles in the winter, four snow tires are a must. This leads us to the next question.
Do I need snow tires?
It depends. Snow tires are better in snow, but worse on dry payment. All-season tires attempt to find “middle ground.” If you plan to drive in all weather and can’t wait for the plows, you will need snow tires. Most modern vehicles have very wide tires. Without four snow tires, these vehicles tend to ride up on top of the snow, making steering and braking difficult.
What should I do if I skid on snow or ice?
Skids are caused by driving too fast for conditions. By driving slower, you greatly reduce instances of wheel spin or brake lock-up. If you still experience a skid, stay off the brakes and gas while you look and steer in the direction you want to go. You don’t need to steer into the skid. Don’t panic; you can
Shutterstock: Le Manna
steer yourself out of a lot of jams as long as you avoid the brakes. Rush hour is not the time to learn or practice. To get over the anxiety, practice helps. Quiet roadways will help you discover it is not as hard as you think.
What is traction control & how should I use it?
Antilock brakes and traction control are a real plus in the winter. If you brake too hard, the ABS will pump the brakes rapidly to avoid wheel lock-up leading to a skid. If you attempt to accelerate too quickly, the traction control system kicks in to avoid wheel spin. Some vibration and pulsation will be felt when these systems engage. The sensation should only last a few seconds. An indicator light also may flash on your dashboard. Your vehicles owner’s manual
will provide additional details. Experienced drivers should eventually learn to accelerate and brake more gradually. You will then become less dependent on these technologies. Slow and steady is the way to go on ice and snow.
Whether you love or dread winter, having yourself and your vehicle ready is a must. AAA Hudson Valley can help. This year’s free winter driving class will be held virtually. Join us Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at 6 p.m. To register call 518-426-1000, ext. 2440, or visit AAA.com/Safety. Can’t make the class? Send your questions to: trafficsafety@aaahv.com.
Mike Sweeney is a Traffic Safety Educator at AAA Hudson Valley.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 I 17