Reducing winter driving anxiety

2023-01-22

 

There are things that happen in our lives we can’t control, but like anything else, we have to learn to accept and adjust to them. Part of driving through winter conditions is also about accepting it. We know it happens, so we need to learn how to deal with it in a safe and efficient manner.

Having to drive in snow or icy conditions isn’t one of the preferred things to do for many drivers. Some drivers may even talk themselves out of driving and build up winter driving anxiety before they get into their vehicle. Unfortunately, this anxiety affects their driving performance in winter conditions. However, there are some solutions.

Before you head outside to your vehicle, layer yourself with clothing. This layered system will help you stay warm when you first go outside but as you warm up, you can remove one layer at a time. Being too warm inside your vehicle can cause you to feel drowsy, causing a slower reaction time. It’s also recommended to avoid wearing the hood of a jacket. The hood may block your peripheral vision which makes blind spot checks more challenging. Wearing a warm hat is really a safer option.

Reducing winter driving anxiety begins by getting up early enough to clear your vehicle of any newly fallen snow or ice off the vehicle. Remember to clear off the entire vehicle, not just the windows. Any snow or ice on the roof can loosen from the vehicle and slide forward onto your windshield if you need to brake in an emergency. This sudden avalanche of snow blocks the view from your windshield which can add to your anxiety. Let’s get rid of that possibility by taking the time to properly clear the vehicle. Your lights also need to be clear so drivers behind can see when you’re slowing down and your headlights also need to be clear to help you see at night, plus others can see you coming.

Now that your vehicle is physically ready to handle the wintery day, you need to be ready too. Leaving early can help to reduce your stress. It essentially means you can take your time and not be tempted to take chances with your driving since you know you’ll still arrive at your destination on time. Leaving with extra time helps to keep you focused on the driving environment and make better driving choices.

Applying gentle acceleration and a more gradual braking technique will allow you to safely maneuver your vehicle on slippery roads. If you do notice your wheels beginning to spin when you accelerate, gently ease off the accelerator and then reapply. This should help you maintain control. With slippery conditions, it’s always a good idea to brake a little earlier than you would normally brake. This will give your tires a better chance to grip the road and slow down as needed. Winter tires are a great addition to reducing winter driving anxiety. Those tires have a better tread design which helps to grip the road better than all-season tires.

Attempt to keep space around your vehicle. Increase your following distance to 3 or 4 seconds so you can brake more gradually if the driver in front of you does brake. Also, attempt to keep space beside your vehicle. This space provides you with an escape in case you need to quickly move to the side to avoid a sliding vehicle. Putting this into action can help you to reduce that winter driving anxiety.