First, be sure to clear off your car. When clearing off your windshield use a brush, (you can damage your windshield wipers if the snow is too wet and heavy if you try using the wipers). Make sure to get the other windows, mirrors, headlights, and brake lights. You'll want to make sure that you can see others and the area around you, and that they can see you!
Remember to slow down, even if your vehicle has 4 wheel drive. Everybody seems to be running late and in a hurry once the roads are covered in snow. Commutes get longer, and even your short drives seem to double in time. Leave early and be patient with the other drivers on the road. Also, remember to increase distances between you and the vehicle in front of you. It takes longer to stop when the roads are snow packed. Which also means, you should start stopping sooner, in case you slide.
Drive in already established tire tracks, and change lanes only when necessary. Watch for black ice. You'll want to drive on the inside lanes, as snow tends to build up along curbs and shoulders.
As always, be prepared for an emergency. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with jumper cables, flashlight, ice scraper, flare, blanket, snacks, and water. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
When you come home at night, check your city ordinances before parking on the street. Draper City ordinances do not allow people to park on the street from November 15-April 15 between the hours of 1:00 am and 6:00 am. Other surrounding cities have similar ordinances, so it is important to check with the city you live in. Snow plows often come around at night, and we all want to have clear roads, so keep your streets clear .
Snow brings with it a whole array of winter sports, just make sure your driving isn't one of them!
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