This winter season, are you worried about the driving habits of other drivers, or the weather affecting your car’s driving characteristics?
The latest survey from Goodyear is exposing the fact that a large percentage of drivers aren’t prepared for the winter, which is causing unsafe driving conditions for everyone else.
While more than 75 percent of respondents do believe winter tires make a difference in challenging winter weather, 58 percent of those in cold-weather areas don’t use winter tires. That information won’t inspire confidence when the snow starts falling and the roads get icy.
Those drivers that do equip winter tires seem to be waiting for the winter season to start before getting them on. Twenty-three percent of drivers wait until the first storm to put on winter tires, instead of doing it ahead of time, even though 73 percent say they drive just as much in the winter and 19 percent also claim they don’t drive any slower, even with often slippery road conditions.
These winter driving habits aren’t going unnoticed. Fifty-one percent of respondents are saying that they actually fear other drivers more than just the snow and ice.
SEE ALSO: How to Drive on Snow and Ice: Winter Driving Safety Tips
“Simple things, such as equipping your car with a set of winter tires, can make the difference in challenging winter driving conditions,” said Brandy Gadd, marketing manager for Goodyear. “A set of superior-performing winter tires, such as Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires, helps provide consumers with the superior traction they need to confidently drive in ever-changing winter conditions.”
Goodyear points out a few tips to ensure you’re prepared for the worst this coming winter.
First they advise to check your tire pressure and tread. Both tire pressure and tread affect traction in the snow and ice. In particularly cold locations which experience a lot of snow, Goodyear advises that drivers should consider winter tires.
Next, Goodyear advises drivers to move with caution. Just because you have superior traction doesn’t mean you can speed in snowy and icy conditions. The idea is to drive smoothly when approaching intersections and stop-signs to provide a cushion of space in case of slippery conditions.
Finally, a key way to help yourself and drivers around you is to keep your car clear. When snow is left on the hood, it can fly onto the windshield when you start moving, obstructing your view. If snow is left on the roof, it can slide onto the rear window. Snow left on the car can also fly off the car, affecting other drivers.
Many of these tips are referenced in our latest feature on driving in the snow. Check that article out for additional tips, and ways to control your car if you’re in a skid.
With proper preparation drivers shouldn’t feel intimidated or worried with winter weather, but sadly, very few drivers out there seem to be taking the right precautions when the snow hits. Take the right steps, and drive with confidence in the cold weather.