6 Tips Before Driving in Winter Weather This Year in Idaho

Winter is coming, and so are winter weather driving conditions. During the winter in Idaho, the weather can be unpredictable, and the roads are no exception. The days are already shorter, which means more driving in the dark, the temperatures are colder, which means playing with the heater while driving, and of course, there is ice, snow, and rain on the roads as well. Discovercars.com has recently released some tips to remember when driving this winter. For those new to Idaho, driving during the winter is different than the rest of the year as there is more to be prepared for. Before the winter weather conditions arrive, it is best to be prepared for driving this winter in Idaho, and here are a couple of reminders.

Watch Out For Winter Fines

Did you know that you can get fined if you don't properly remove snow or ice from your vehicle? Failure to do so could result in a fine, and depending on if you damage another vehicle, person, or property, will determine how steep that fine is. Not only removing ice and snow, but also warming up your car could result in a fine as well. Many of us start our cars in the winter to warm up, but doing so in the wrong place and leaving them unattended could result in a fine in Idaho.

Have a Winter Kit in Your Vehicle

You never know when you could get stranded in the snow, slide off the road, or have your car break down. It is best to be prepared and have a kit to help you this winter. Make sure to have a blanket to stay warm, water to stay hydrated, a flashlight in case you need to walk or look through the car in the dark, an ice scraper, gloves, Band-Aids, and perhaps a few bars to eat in case you have to sit for a while.

Know the Road Conditions in Advance

It is always a good idea to look ahead before jumping into your vehicle, especially after a snowstorm in Idaho. If you are driving a good distance, make sure to look ahead and know if there are any road closures, accidents, or driving conditions that could put you in danger. Sometimes staying where you are is the best option and the safest.

Drive Slow, But Not Too Slow

When the temperatures are below freezing, it is wise to drive more slowly, even if there isn't snow on the ground. Any moisture will freeze, and black ice can be as dangerous, if not more than regular ice and snow. Don't go too slow where you force drivers to keep hitting their brakes, but driving the speed limit or a little under would be wise. 

Check Your Tires

Tire pressure can get low when the temperatures drop, and it is important to keep it regulated during the winter. If you can afford it, it is a good idea to put on winter tires and prepare for all the snow, potholes, and driving conditions that occur during the winter months in Idaho. 

Be Cautious With Black Ice and Driving on the Snow

As mentioned above, make sure to be cautious when behind the wheel. Don't take turns too sharply, don't try to hit the gas too hard when pulling out of parking lots, and use good judgment when behind the wheel. It is best to always assume that other drivers are new to the area and may not know how to drive in the conditions. While most will, if you assume they don't know how, you will make better decisions and be safer yourself. 

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Make sure to be smart and safe this winter, as you never know what the road conditions will be from day to day. We may be lucky and have a nice winter with no issues, or you could be driving on snow and ice for months. Either way, follow these tips and be prepared, and you should be fine driving this winter in Idaho.