Getting snowed in during the wintertime can be fun — you have a day off, you can curl up under a blanket with hot chocolate, and you may even head outside to build a snowman or get into a snowball fight. If you have to be on the road, though, what was originally a low-key day off could turn into a harrowing trip. Here's how to stay safe when you have no choice but to drive in icy conditions, whether in your own vehicle or a rental car.
Don't Overestimate Your Driving Skills
No matter how experienced of a driver you are, when your car fishtails while you're driving at a high speed on the highway, odds are slim that you'll be able to regain control. The risks increase when you're driving an unfamiliar rental vehicle that handles differently from your own car.
Reduce Your Speed Significantly
The faster you drive, the more dangerous it is. It's easier to lose control of your car at high speeds. Always keep your speed under 45 mph, despite the posted speed limit. Remember, the speed limit is a suggestion for ideal conditions, not dangerous ones.
Brake Gently and Steer Carefully
Avoid braking too much. If you feel your car sliding, don't slam on your brakes — they could lock up even if you have antilock brakes and the slide could become much worse. If you feel your car start to slide and there's nobody around, steer with the slide. If you're on a busy road, carefully turn the wheel in the direction that you want the car to go. Either way, don't overcorrect — you could end up sliding in the wrong direction or losing control.
Avoid Unnecessary Roadside Stops
It's great to want to help people, but try to resist the urge to pull off to the side of the road when you see someone in need during icy conditions. Doing so will cause other drivers to slow down and brake, which could make them slide. Call for roadside assistance instead.
Make checking the weather a part of your regular routine before driving in winter. You don't want to get caught on slick roads when you didn't need to be out of the house in the first place. If conditions are bad, consider postponing your trip or exploring warmer destinations instead.
Compare rental options from independent agencies that can equip you with the right vehicle for winter conditions.