More Winter Ahead, Take It Slow, Drivers

The daytime thaw following Sunday’s epic snowfall was welcome, but deceptive. Melting drifts created slick patches on many roads with more to come. Over the next week, daytime temperatures are supposed to bounce into the 40s, then drop to below freezing at night, and a rainy, snowy mix is even expected from time to time. This means that our usual routes could remain dangerous, especially in the early morning, when a lot of us are headed to work, school, appointments, or fitness classes. Caution should be first and foremost on drivers’ minds.

According to the National Weather Service, freezing roads are responsible for nearly four times more deadly accidents than all other weather hazards combined. It can take up to six times the distance to stop on snow or ice-slicked pavement. This makes tailgating at this time of year especially ill-advised. Lack of experience, such as among young drivers, is frequently reflected in winter fatality rates. Conversely, places where motorists have to deal with ice more often have fewer road deaths during cold weather.

It should go without saying that slowing down equates to staying safer. Just because some expensive commercial shot in the Swiss Alps shows an Audi Quattro powering over an icy road doesn’t mean you should, too. And, word to the wise, if another driver is riding your rear bumper, there is no shame in carefully pulling over to let them carry on their merry, if statistically risky, way.