When driving in winter conditions, what should you keep in mind?

Driving in winter conditions presents unique challenges due to factors like snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Increasing your following distance and reducing speed is crucial because it gives you more time to react to potential hazards, such as a sudden stop or a slippery patch of road. When roads are icy or snowy, the stopping distance of a vehicle increases significantly; therefore, maintaining a greater space between your vehicle and the one in front helps prevent collisions.

Additionally, reducing your speed allows for better control of your vehicle on slick surfaces. At higher speeds, the risk of losing traction increases, making it more difficult to steer or brake effectively. Therefore, adapting your driving behavior to the conditions by slowing down and maintaining a safe following distance is essential for ensuring safety during winter weather driving.