5. Tap the Brakes

When you are in trouble, don’t get crazy with the accelerator. If you are drifting out of a turn, your car is usually pointing in the direction you want it to go. But the problem is you are going sideways. So you think that if you just press the gas, the car will go forward and you’ll get out of it. This is where things can go horribly wrong. If you haven’t provided enough counter steering and you press on the gas your car will continue to hold that initial line (which is a bad one!) and you will just go sideways even faster. When in doubt, it is OK to tap on the brakes. After all, that is what they are designed for.

Don’t always have the mindset that you can get yourself out of any jam and drift around a corner like a rally champ. Swallow your pride every once in a while and use the brake.

6. Keep Your Eyes on the Inside

Look inside when making a turn! Don’t lose sight of the fact that you need to go in the direction of the turn you are making. If you are making a right hand turn, you should always be looking inside (towards the turn) the whole way. When something goes wrong and you start to lose control and go to the outside, your instinct takes over and you look towards the trouble (a wall, tree etc…) which is a big no no. If your eyes stray from the target and look outside, guess what? You will go to the outside! Keep looking inside and make the proper maneuvers to get to the safe spot where you’re focusing.

Ice driving taught me these six life-saving tool. Guess what was the hardest part? Back in California, I have to navigate the San Diego freeway again. I now prefer….ice.

Have you encounter rough driving conditions this winter? Tell us your life-saving tips.

For more driving safety tips, check out:

• How to Drive on Unfamiliar Terrain
• Spring Driving Tips
• Avoiding Exhaustion & Drowsiness
• Stopping Distracted Driving

By Steve Breazeale for PeterGreenberg.com