One of the best parts of living in New Mexico is the seasonality of our weather, including fresh snowfall in central and northern parts of the state throughout the winter months. While snow looks gorgeous and creates a host of recreational activities, it is important to remember that it can bring ice with it as well. However, you can protect yourself when driving on icy roads by reviewing some helpful driving tips and tricks.
In This Article
In this article, a New Mexico car accident injury lawyer offers eight valuable tips for driving on icy roads to keep you and your family safe during winter, including:
- Tip #1. Watch Out for Ice on Bridges
- Tip #2. AWD and 4WD Vehicles Are Still Vulnerable
- Tip #3. Prep, Practice, and Plan Ahead
- Tip #4. Learn to “Coast” Uphill
- Tip #5. It’s Okay to Ask for Help
- Tip #6. Learn How to Navigate a Skid
- Tip #7. Give Snowplows Room
- Tip #8. Call a Lawyer If Someone Injures You in Icy Conditions
Let’s start by looking at the first tip for driving on icy roads in New Mexico.
Tip #1. Watch Out for Ice on Bridges
The National Weather Service’s website confirms that many seasoned winter drivers already know ice forms on bridges first. They do not get the same insulation that roadbeds receive, causing them to become icy faster than streets and highways.
For example, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, located 11 miles northwest of Taos on U.S. Highway 64, is the tenth highest bridge in the United States and the second-highest bridge located on the U.S. Highway System. Consequently, it also gets very slippery when temperatures dip below freezing. Ensure that you slow down when going over the Gorge or any other bridge in New Mexico if you encounter ice during winter.
Tip #2. AWD and 4WD Vehicles Are Still Vulnerable
All and four-wheel drive vehicles are a lifesaver on snow. While they may provide you with the much-needed extra traction, they cannot prevent you from sliding on ice. Your velocity can increase when sliding on ice, so it is vital to slow down regardless of what drivetrain your vehicle has installed.
Tip #3. Prep, Practice, and Plan Ahead
Driving on ice is, ultimately a matter of skill, but you can make things much easier for yourself and passengers by preparing for ice beforehand. Before driving long distances, try getting a feel for driving on ice in a smaller area first. If you live in a cul-de-sac, near an empty public parking lot, or on rural roads, you could test what it feels like to brake suddenly at low speeds to get a feel for the road.
Your vehicle must also be prepared for the elements. Carry the following items in your trunk:
- Snow shovel
- Extra gasoline
- Windshield ice scrapers
- Lock deicer in a spray can
- Sand or salt ice melt
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights
- Tire chains
- Hand warmers
- Extra hats and mittens
It is also good to get a membership with a motor club, such as AAA New Mexico. A motor club membership is a huge anxiety saver if you get stuck or need a tow.
Tip #4. Learn to “Coast” Uphill
Try coasting uphill when icy, snowy conditions are present. If you tap the breaks to slow down when going uphill, your vehicle could start fishtailing or lose momentum and slide into the car behind it. The trick is to gain just enough speed to get your car up over the hill, which takes a little practice, basic hand-eye coordination, and good depth perception.
Tip #5. It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Central and northern New Mexicans are relatively well-seasoned when driving on ice. If you just moved here from a warm climate, do not expect your employer or child’s school to call off the day, because of snowfall. However, there is nothing wrong with asking friends, co-workers, and neighbors for rides on really icy days while you get more familiar with driving in these kinds of conditions.
Tip #6. Learn How to Navigate a Skid
Skidding and fishtailing generally signifies that the driver is going too fast for the conditions and is considered negligent. If you drive safely on the ice and avoid abrupt braking, acceleration, or turns, you will likely not have any trouble on the road. Correcting a skid becomes more difficult at higher speeds, so it is better to err on the side of caution
The New Mexico Driver’s Manual recommends the following steps if your vehicle begins to skid on ice:
- Step 1. Stay off the brake
- Step 2. Steer in the direction you want to go
- Step 3. As you straighten out, turn back in the other direction
- Step 4. Continue steering until you have the vehicle under control
It is also not bad to review the state driving manual as a basic refresher. You can download a free PDF copy through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division’s website here.
Tip #7. Give Snowplows Room
New Mexico is known for its long beautiful scenic drives on rural roads. During a snowstorm, you will encounter hard-working snowplow drivers doing their best to clear the roads and keep everyone safe. Remember to give them their space as they clear the road. Because of the inclement weather, both your field of vision and the snowplow operator’s field of vision are likely partially blocked by snow, fog, snow debris, or deicing road material.
Tip #8. Call a Lawyer If Someone Injures You in Icy Conditions
You make every painstaking effort to drive safely around others. If someone else’s negligent actions cause you or your loved one injuries in icy conditions, speak with a car accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. Injuries are expensive cases for insurance companies to handle, so they may try to negotiate a lesser settlement based on false facts.
Insurers could blame you for causing the icy accident to reduce their liability. A car accident injury attorney has the legal knowledge and tenacity that victims want when dealing with insurers. We ensure that no one takes advantage of your situation while demanding every penny that clients are owed.
Tips for Driving on Icy Roads Can’t Stop Other Drivers
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