Winter Driving

How to Survive Icy Roads: Mr. Pottinger’s Winter Driving Advice 

By, Vienna Smith and Anna Hirschinger

With rumors flying around RAHS about possible snow days, it is safe to say that recent heavy storms signal a challenging winter ahead.

To help you navigate the season, here is an overview of this week's weather and a guide on how to travel safely now and in the future.

This Week’s Forecast

Expect a heavy mix of rain and snow tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Temperatures will range from a low of 22° to a high of 35°. This combination of rain and freezing temperatures often makes road surfaces slick and unpredictable.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, flurries and snow showers are possible, with winds fluctuating between 10 and 20 mph throughout the day. Temperatures will drop slightly, reaching a low of 5° and a high of 28°.

Looking ahead to later in the week, expect more chances of snow and sharply dropping temperatures as arctic air moves in. With lows predicted to reach -12°, be sure to bundle up and stay warm!

Safety First: Advice for Young Drivers

Young drivers need to be especially mindful on the roads. Drive cautiously and stay at or below the speed limit, particularly if visibility is limited or if roads haven't been plowed or salted.

Most importantly: stay off your phone. Driving in extreme weather is risky enough without distractions. Keep yourself and your fellow drivers safe.

Remember that on icy roads, vehicles can take 6 to 10 times longer to come to a complete stop. To avoid collisions or spinning out, increase the following distance between you and the car in front of you—your insurance will thank you.

5 Tips from the Expert

With the early arrival of snow this year, RAHS driving instructor Brian Pottinger offers these five tips for staying safe on winter roads:

1. Slow down! Speed is a major factor in winter accidents.

2. Use gentle actions. Avoid braking hard, accelerating quickly, or turning sharply.

3. Watch intersections closely. Pay attention to other cars; if their wheels are locked up, they likely won't stop in time.

4. Don't spin your wheels. If you lose traction when accelerating, ease up on the gas to regain it. Accelerating more will get you nowhere faster.

Be prepared. Keep basic emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a shovel, sand or cat litter, a snow brush/scraper, a tow strap, and jumper cables.