Snow might be coming soon! Here are some tips to stay safe on the road

October 29, 2022 5:22 PM

Brontë Sorotsky,

Posted: October 29, 2022 5:22 PM

Updated: October 30, 2022 5:56 PM

by Brontë Sorotsky

SPOKANE, Wash. — Temperatures have been dropping quickly and snow could be here as soon as next week.

That means it’s time to brush up on your winter driving skills.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen snow here in the Inland Northwest, and we might have forgotten some of the tricks and techniques you’re supposed to do when the snow hits.

Spokane’s first snow of the season could come as soon as Wednesday or Thursday! I’m at the 911 driving school practicing my winter driving skills to stay safe when the snow hits! ❄️ Hear what you need to know to drive safely this winter, tonight on @kxly4news. pic.twitter.com/xG54UgNdeu

— Brontë Sorotsky (@BronteSorotsky) October 29, 2022

“There’s really no set speed, but they should use what we call “Do Care,” so driving for your conditions,” Dennis Burgess, a driving instructor for 911 Driving School in Spokane said.

It’s already that time to get out the snow tires, shovels and cat litter. Spokane could see snow as soon as Wednesday, and that first snow of the season can be more dangerous for the drivers.

“The first snow is when everybody’s getting readjusted to it and they just don’t anticipate it,” Burgess said. “They’re a little bit overconfident from driving all summer long [with] no real problems. They don’t realize they have to increase that distance [and] slow down a little bit.”

Going slow is one of the best ways to navigate snowy roads. Burgess says sliding and losing control can still happen.

When it does, Burgess says to remain calm.

“Maybe add a little gas, try to get it back into the position it was in,” Burgess said. “Keep the brake tight.”

When driving up or down hills, drive slower and brake sooner.

“If you brake the traction of the tires, it’s kind of hard to get it back,” Burgess said. “[When] going downhill, especially on ice, start braking a lot sooner. If you normally brake at a certain spot, push that back.”

When you’re driving near other cars or stop at a light, make sure you give yourself extra time to hit the brakes.

“So normally you want two or three seconds on a road like this, you want to push that back to three or four seconds,” Burgess said. “[It] just gives you more time, to react and avoid a dangerous situation.”

The best thing to do is to not panic and take it slow.

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