Brush off your winter driving habits

With winter weather in the not-so-distant forecast, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to modify driving habits.

The first Spokane-area snowfall usually features news accounts of drivers who found themselves in ditches, up against highway barriers or inside another motorist’s trunk, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan.

Winter driving safety tips include:

Speed kills: Speed limits are set according to the road’s construction and an average motorist’s driving skills in optimal weather conditions. In wet, snowy or icy conditions, speeding is not a matter of exceeding the posted limit, but rather exceeding your or your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction under less-than-optimum conditions. Slow down.

Close counts: While you may get away with crowding the car ahead of you in August, that distance in December can cost you a trip to a body shop or hospital. Increase your following distance during poor road or weather conditions.

Lights on for safety: Make sure all of your vehicle’s lights (head, tail, turn and brake) work, and then use them. Surprises in summer travel are irritating, but they can be deadly on winter roads. And while you’re checking your lights, make sure wipers and tires are in good condition, and that mirrors and windshields are intact and clean.

Traction is where you find it: The least amount of traction is on ice or compacted snow. If you can, keep at least some of your tires in loose snow, and if you find yourself sliding at an intersection, move toward the curb or shoulder where sand may have been pushed off to the side. Keep in mind that water collects in dips and grooves in the road, and you may hydroplane in those areas. Slow down, and try to avoid standing water with at least some of your tires.

Check your attitude: Perhaps the most important tip for surviving winter driving is to check your attitude. You may be the ultimate road warrior in July, but winter has a habit of revealing even the best drivers’ weaknesses. Allow more time for your morning commutes, and be courteous, patient and attentive.