No matter how old we are, most of us still think there’s something magical about the snow. Waking up to a world blanketed in white brings back memories of building snow sculptures with the kids or having snowball fights when we were younger. When you’re an adult, however, the novelty can quickly wear off when you realize that despite the weather you still have to commute to work or run errands in town! Driving in snowy or icy conditions can greatly increase the risk of getting into an accident, so it’s important to take as many precautions as possible to make the journey safer. Read on for some key recommendations.

Before you set off

The first step to take is to consider whether your journey is absolutely necessary or not. If the weather is truly awful and your trip isn’t urgent, it might be best to postpone it until conditions improve. For those who do need to head out, be sure to clear all the snow from your car before you set off. Key areas to pay attention to are the windshield and windows, as well the mirrors and lights. This helps to increase both your range of vision and how visible you are to other road users.

Another factor to consider is whether you want to get winter tires or snow chains for your vehicle. These can help to give you better grip on slippery roads and are actually a requirement in certain locations. You could even look into buying a car specifically designed for driving in snowy conditions depending on where you live. Lastly, be sure to keep a range of emergency supplies in your car just in case you break down, get into an accident, or come across someone else in need. The sort of items you’ll want to have on hand include nonperishable food, bottled water, a blanket, gloves, a flashlight, a portable cellphone charger, and a first aid kit.

As the conditions are more difficult in snowy weather due to the ice and poor visibility, accidents are far more likely in this weather condition. Due to this, if you ever plan to drive in snow, make sure that your insurance provides adequate cover if anything is to happen in these conditions, as some providers might have exceptions in their policy. If you’re looking for car insurance in Las Vegas, check out Root Insurance.

When driving

When driving in the snow, your stopping distance will be longer and your visibility greatly reduced. This means that you should take care to drive more slowly than usual, leave a longer distance between your vehicle and other road users, and allow yourself more time to reach your destination. Where possible, try to stick to well-lit routes and roads that have been gritted, cleared or salted. All of these factors will make your journey safer. It’s also good practice to let someone know where you’re going, what your estimated arrival time is, and what route you’re taking. This can all be useful information in the event you break down or have an accident.

Finally, it’s sensible to keep the radio on so that you instantly hear any updates about weather conditions, road closures, and other key events that might impact your journey. If the snow becomes much heavier after you set out, it might be better to turn around and head for home depending on how far through your journey you are.