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Here are some great tips for new drivers or anyone that needs a reminder in a certain area(me included).And especially those who think they know it all(you know who you are.  
 
Winter Driving Tips  
Winter driving conditions are highly variable and require both a higher level of concentration and an adjustment in driving style. Practice the following tips to steer safely along the roads this winter.  
Inspect Your Vehicle  
Prepare your car for winter in advance of the season to reduce mechanical problems later. Ensure that the ignition system, battery, tires, wipers, and exhaust and cooling systems are in good condition. Remember to check antifreeze not only for quantity but for strength as well.  
Check Your Tires  
All season tires with an open tread design are sufficient for most winter conditions. In areas where deep snow is normal, snow tires provide better traction and control. Check your tire pressure at least once a month: remember that as the temperature outside goes up and down so does your tire pressure. For the best fuel economy and handling, your tire pressure should be maintained close to the maximum sidewall pressure.  
Stock Your Trunk  
Stock your trunk with basic winter accessories such as a long-handled scraper and snow brush, a supply of windshield washer fluid, booster cables, a shovel, reflective cones, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a blanket, and kitty litter for traction.  
Secure In-Vehicle Objects  
In instances when you have to brake hard, loose objects become projectiles which can injure or kill as they fly around your vehicle. Put briefcases, laptops, or any other loose objects in the trunk to be safe.  
Prepare Ahead  
Remove the snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof, hood, trunk, headlights, rearlights, and all windows front and back. Cars that are half-covered with snow pose a hazard to the vehicles behind. Remove bulky clothing and clean your boots. Don't wait until you are blinded by someone's spray: turn your windshield wipers on before you need them to maintain visibility.  
Practice Safe Acceleration  
To reduce wheel spin on slippery/icy roads, start in second gear and gently squeeze the gas. If you drive a rear wheel vehicle, get started by putting the parking brake on partially in order to fool the differential into sending power to both rear wheels instead of only one.  
 
 
Increase Your Following Distance  
In good weather your following distance is a minimum of two seconds in the city and three on the highway. However, when the weather conditions are less than ideal and it’s more difficult to stop, you should increase your following distance and adjust your speed accordingly.  
Use Your Horn  
Your vehicle’s horn is a communications tool. It was designed to enable drivers to warn someone of a potential danger. A quick tap on the horn easily gets another driver's attention and helps to prevent a collision.  
Steer Smoothly  
Roads can be slippery at any time of the year due to oil spills, gravel, or painted traffic lines and especially after a rain or snowfall. If you suddenly hit ice or lose control, shift into neutral (or put in the clutch if you have a standard transmission), and take your foot off the gas. Then look well ahead and steer immediately to keep the vehicle straight. Once under control, steer in the direction you want to go.  
Take Caution With Left Turns  
Turning left in front of oncoming vehicles on a green light is one of the most dangerous maneuvers you will ever perform. The view of oncoming cars may be blocked by approaching left turning vehicles, blinding rain, or snow. When the light turns amber, many drivers gamble and complete the turn hoping they won't be hit. Be cautious and avoid the danger.  
Straighten Your Wheels  
When waiting to make a left turn at an intersection, stop with your wheels pointing straight ahead. If a vehicle comes up too fast from behind, then you have the opportunity to drive straight through the intersection and avoid being hit from behind.  
 
 
 
Know How To Brake in an Emergency  
Braking on snow-covered roads can be tricky. If your vehicle has ABS brakes, step on the brake pedal as fast and as hard as you can. Do not pump the brakes! Maintain hard and continuous pressure to allow the ABS computer to do the work. The pulsation and rattling sounds are normal. Finally, use the steering control ABS gives you and steer toward an escape route.  
If you don’t have ABS brakes, use threshold braking Apply the brakes hard but not quite hard enough to lock the wheels. Four-wheel lock-up reduces the stopping distance on a snow covered road but also takes away all steering control. Threshold braking allows the driver to steer and maintain control.  
Maintain Control on Gravel Shoulders  
In order to maintain control when your tires slip onto a gravel shoulder, follow these tips:  
Look well ahead at the edge of the pavement and at the centre of your lane when returning to the road.  
Hold the steering wheel firmly at 10 and 2 o'clock for stability.  
Maintain steady pressure on the gas whenever possible especially in a front wheel drive vehicle in order to pull through the gravel.  
Light Up at Night  
Whenever possible, use high beams at night. When you switch to low beams for approaching vehicles, put them back up just as the approaching vehicle is passing because this is the worst time for you to spot a problem.  
 
 
Edited by GER_MAN, 2009-10-16 13:19:20