Few things spoil a trip faster that started off great with the purchase of cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages than having an accident because you lost control of your rental car.
When road conditions are bad due to weather, travelers are usually urged to stay at home or in their hotels. When that is not possible the following are steps that can be taken to make your drive safer:
AAA recommends that motorists pull together a winter driving kit that includes a bag of abrasive material (such as sand, salt, or cat litter), a snow shovel, traction mats, an ice scraper, booster cables, flashlight, window washing liquid, cloth, warning flares or triangles, cell phone, gloves, and a blanket.
When pulling out of a snow packed parking space avoid spinning the wheels. Drive back and forward to clear a path. If needed, spread sand or salt near the wheels for additional traction.
De-ice your car before driving. Iced over vehicles limit driver visibility. Ice falling off moving cars can be hazardous to other vehicles.
Drive slowly with your headlights on low beam if visibility is poor. Use at least double the usual following distance between cars.
Do not use cruise control when driving on a slick road. Steering around something you wish to pass is safer than braking suddenly at speeds over 25 mph on a slippery road.
Find out prior to leaving the lot if your car has antilock brakes. When braking do not remove your foot from the brake or pump the pedal if you have antilock brakes.
If your car skids, steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go. Avoid slamming on the breaks which makes it harder to get your car back under control.
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