a scenic snow covered landscape in Sedona arizona in winter
Citizens and tourists alike in Arizona need to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road at all times. From icy roads to frozen windshields, there are a few things you need to be more conscious of when driving in frigid conditions. To help keep you safe out there, here is a list of mistakes to avoid when driving around Arizona in the winter.
1. Neglecting to keep a safe distance from other cars
Generally, the rule of thumb for keeping a safe driving distance in Arizona is 3 seconds apart from the vehicle in front of you. Essentially, this means that you’re always 3 seconds behind the car ahead of you at whatever speed you’re going.
Say, for example, you’re going 30 mph. Your car would cover 135 feet roughly in 3 seconds. Thus, this is the distance you should follow. When the roads are iced and slippery in winter, your car might struggle to get traction while stopping, making this rule especially important to give you enough stoppage time.
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2. Driving too fast
Driving too fast is a huge issue that is bound to cause a few hazards and may result in a fine. The faster you drive, the more time your vehicle needs to slow down or come to a complete halt. When driving on wet and icy roads, you may have bigger problems — especially when handling bigger vehicles such as a campervan. Driving at high speeds means you’re more likely to lose control of the vehicle, and you may slide or skid when you need to stop quickly. Adjust your speeds accordingly so that you can slow down in a controlled manner when necessary.
3. Wearing bulky clothes
Understandably, there is a real need to dress warmly during the winter months. As much as you want to dress yourself in bulky layers, the thick material can hinder your ability to control your car. Rather, stick to using the heater to warm your vehicle inside and keep the bulkier clothes in the back seat until you need to brave outside temperatures.
4. Not practicing defensive driving
In bad weather conditions, it’s always best to act as if you’re driving amidst many new or “learner” drivers and prepare appropriately, because drivers in general can be more unpredictable. Defensive driving in cold weather can be key to staying safe.
Hire a Campervan
Try exploring Arizona in the winter in a campervan! No need to brace yourself for the cold because you can stay nice and toasty inside your van the whole time if you want to. Consider contacting Campervan rental specialists Travellers Autobarn to start experiencing Arizona in one of the best ways possible.
Final Thoughts
When traveling around Arizona in the colder season, you may face some challenging road and weather conditions. Being prepared for it is one way to stay safe, and avoiding these common mistakes is another.
