Crime & Safety

Police Offer Winter Driving Tips

Advice on staying safe on the roads

The Wyckoff Police Department offers the following tips for motorists driving on snow- or ice-covered roads:

  • Use gentle pressure on the gas pedal when starting out to retain traction and avoid skids. Spinning your wheels will only dig you deeper into the snow.
  • Increase your distance between cars in case you have to stop abruptly. Normal following distance of 2 to 3 seconds should be increased to 8 to 10 seconds when driving on slippery surfaces.
  • During a skid, don't panic; look and steer the car in the direction you want it to go.
  • If you must drive when visibility is poor, keep speed low and headlights on low beam.
  • Clean all snow and ice from the entire vehicle. Snow left on any area increase the chance that visibility will be affected when the car is in motion.
  • Snow tires are recommended, although in the Northeast, all-season radial tires should be adequate. Rear-wheel drive vehicles provide the least amount of traction.
  • Winter driving kits should include sand or salt; a snow shovel; an ice scraper; flashlight; cloth or paper towels; booster cables; and flares.


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