Winter Driving: How to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel in Challenging Conditions

      Driver Safety in Winter: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Car and Driving Rules for Ice and Snowfall

      With the arrival of winter, drivers in the Zainsk district and across the republic face a period of serious challenges. Short daylight hours, snowfalls, black ice, reduced visibility — all of this requires increased attention and thorough preparation. Safety on winter roads begins long before you set off. The editorial staff has prepared a detailed guide to help you and your car meet winter fully prepared.

      Preparing the car: the foundation of safety

      The first and main step is to bring the car to full winter readiness.

      Winter tires. This is not a recommendation but a necessity. Tires must have sufficient remaining tread depth (at least 4 mm). Remember: "all-season" tires are not a full winter tire for our temperatures and snow cover.

      Technical condition. Pay special attention to the battery, the cooling system (antifreeze), brakes, wipers and lighting equipment. All headlights, position lights and brake lights must work flawlessly.

      Winter kit in the trunk. Be sure to have with you: a brush with a scraper, a shovel, a tow rope, jumper cables, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a supply of non-freezing windshield washer fluid. It’s also wise to keep a blanket, a thermos of tea and a charged power bank for your phone in the car.

      Winter driving tactics: rules that save lives

      Once the car is ready, it’s time to adjust your driving style.

      Smoothness is the key to safety. Any abrupt movement (starting, braking, steering) on a slippery road can lead to a skid. All actions should be several times smoother and more deliberate than in summer.

      Distance and speed. Increase your usual following distance to the vehicle ahead by at least double. Reduce speed well in advance of turns, intersections and pedestrian crossings. Remember the rule: “Speed should be such that you can stop within the portion of road you can see.”

      Engine braking. On slippery roads try to brake mainly with the engine, smoothly downshifting. This helps avoid wheel lock-up and loss of control.

      Attention to lights. In snowfall, fog or twilight always switch on low beams or fog lights. This will not only help you see the road better but will also make your car more visible to others.

      Emergencies: how to act in a skid or a snowdrift

      If you feel the rear axle starting to skid, the main thing is not to panic and not to stomp on the brakes. Smoothly turn the wheel toward the skid (if the rear slides to the right — steer right as well) and slightly increase the throttle to straighten the car. If you are stuck in snow, don’t keep spinning the wheels endlessly — this will only dig the wheel ruts deeper. Try rocking the car by moving from first gear to reverse. Scatter sand, branches or use special traction mats under the drive wheels. If you cannot get out, call for help.

      Additional advice for Zainsk residents: plan your route in advance, especially when traveling to neighboring settlements or onto the highway. Check the weather forecast and road conditions. And remember that sometimes the safest decision in a heavy blizzard or icy conditions is to stay home or postpone the trip.

      Take care of yourself and your loved ones on the road! Wishing you safe roads this winter. #RoadSafety

      Alexander Isakov

      More news about the event:

      Winter road: how to protect yourself behind the wheel in difficult conditions

      Driver Safety in Winter: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Car and Driving Rules for Ice and Snowfall

      With the arrival of winter, drivers in the Zainsk district and across the republic face a period of serious challenges. 17:41 08.01.2026 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk

      Winter road: how to protect yourself behind the wheel in difficult conditions

      Driver Safety in Winter: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Car and Driving Rules for Ice and Snowfall

      With the arrival of winter, drivers in the Zainsk district and across the republic face a period of serious challenges. 16:36 08.01.2026 Zainsk News - Zainsk

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      In Petrozavodsk a car went into a rhythmic skid

      Last night a car went into a rhythmic skid on a snow-covered road in Petrozavodsk. 18:14 08.01.2026 Gubdaily.Ru - Petrozavodsk

      Visibility expected to deteriorate in the Tambov region

      The region’s roads remain slippery.

      On January 9 in the Tambov region fog and black ice may occur; the roads are icy. 16:06 08.01.2026 Komsomolskaya Pravda - Tambov