Winter driving safety tips to navigate the season

It is recommended that you give working snowplows at least 200 feet of space. Photo: Utah Department of Public Safety

The Weather Service also warns of the dangers posed by rain during winter. Ice can form rapidly when temperatures hover near freezing, making road conditions treacherous.

PARK CITY, Utah — As winter’s chill approaches, experts emphasize the importance of preparing your vehicle and adapting your driving habits to ensure safety on the roads.

Readiness for winter driving is crucial. It can be a daunting and stressful experience — but taking the necessary precautions can make a significant difference^.

Jay Randall, administrative lieutenant for the Park City Police Department, suggests specific ways to prepare your vehicle for harsh winter weather. These include ensuring your jack and spare tire are intact.

“Probably the first thing would be to have the proper equipment, meaning snow tires, chains, studs, etc. Allowing for more unexpected travel time is a must,” Randall said. “You never know what accidents and/or road closures might hinder your travel; therefore, you should also allot extra time for those situations.  Remember, the law states you must maintain a minimum of two seconds’ distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, but in inclement weather, we are expected to increase that time for safety.”

The Weather Service also warns of the dangers posed by rain during winter. Ice can form rapidly when temperatures hover near freezing, making road conditions treacherous.

And keep in mind, especially on snowy days, it can take AAA several hours to arrive. Randall recommends everyone should have a “go kit” of items to sustain life in case they are ever stranded in a winter storm.

Those items should include:

• blanket
• water
• snacks/food
• hand warmers
• jumper cables/box
• small first-aid kit

As winter looms, experts stress the importance of preparation and caution to ensure safety on the roads. Remember, when it comes to ice and snow, take it slow.