We've had our first big snowfall in Humboldt and surrounding areas. That along with below seasonal temperatures will create very icy road conditions with poor traction. 

Here are some tips on winter driving to ensure a safe trip home.

Winter Driving Tips

  • Be sure to wipe loose snow off the hood of your vehicle so that it doesn't blow onto your windshield and obstruct your vision while you drive.
  • Ensure that your headlights, taillights and license plates are visible and that your windows are completely defrosted before you hit the road.
  • Leave a little earlier to give yourself more time to reach your destination, so you don't feel tempted to drive too fast for road conditions.
  • Start your trip slowly, testing your braking and steering to 'get a feel' for the road.
  • Once you've reached a level of comfort, you can gradually increase your speed. The key is to maintain control of your vehicle at all times, even if that means driving under the posted speed limit.
  • Stay alert as you approach intersections. Scan the road for traction, such as sand or bare pavement, and always accelerate and decelerate gradually.
  • If you do find your vehicle skidding, remain calm and take your foot off the accelerator. Don't lock the brakes. Instead, brake steadily, look where you want to go and steer in that direction.
  • Try to avoid using cruise control on the highway during the winter. Icy sections on otherwise dry surfaces can cause your wheels to spin, compromising your control of the vehicle and putting you at risk of a collision.
  • Leave at least a four-second following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If the driver ahead of you suddenly brakes, you'll have the time and space needed to stop safely, ensuring that you and everyone on the road arrives at their destination safely.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your car. The kit can include warm clothes, a shovel, blankets, a snow brush, ice scraper, booster cables, flashlight, flares, matches, a candle and a tin cup (to melt snow for water) and food like chocolate, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts or soup mixes that can be added to water.
  • Consider investing in a set of winter tires, which provide improved traction on winter road surfaces.



Take these steps throughout the winter while on your commute and be safe out on the roads.