Winter weather is the primary culprit behind a significant number of towing requests. Snow, sleet, and ice-covered roadways account for around 24% of crashes. While you can't control Mother Nature, you do have the opportunity to reduce your risk of an accident by taking a few precautions. Keep yourself safe on the road by following these three tips. 

3 Tips for Driving on Snow & Ice

1. Upgrade to Snow Tires

The reason that winter weather makes driving so treacherous is a lack of grip on the road, often due to worn-out tires. Tires need a secure hold on the surface of the road for the driver to maintain control. Yet, that ability is limited for all-season equipment when temperatures are low because the material hardens and the grooves cannot grip the road. Fortunately, snow tires are designed with a softer material that doesn't constrict, which provides grasp on snow-covered surfaces. As a result, drivers can maintain more control behind the wheel by upgrading for the season. 

2. Take It Slow

Fast movements on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle are a sure-fire way to end up needing a tow. Vehicle reactions are more exaggerated on wet roadways, especially when ice is involved. As a result, you need to practice caution and move slowly to avoid overcorrecting or other issues that might arise. Apply gentle pressure to the brakes instead of pushing the pedal to the floor, as this can cause the vehicle to spin out. Additionally, leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles on the road in case you need to brake abruptly. 

3. Avoid Distractions

Circumstances can change quickly when the roads are slick, so maintaining control requires your full focus. For that reason, you need to avoid all other tasks that could take your eyes off the road. Set all audio and GPS systems before you leave, and if you find noises distracting, keep the stereo turned off. Additionally, don’t text or talk on the phone while driving, and when you do need to make a call, pull over until you're finished. 

If winter weather gets the best of your vehicle, contact Goldbeck Towing Service, LLC for emergency vehicle transport across Wisconsin. Based in La Crosse County, this local towing company has provided dependable services since 1956. The team of professionals offers roadside assistance around-the-clock, seven days per week. Learn more about their heavy-duty towing services online, and request assistance today at (608) 781-4869.