Every winter, Indiana roads are icy. How to drive with common sense in snow and ice

The simplest advice for driving on snowy, icy roads is this: don’t do that.

That said, severe winter storms are a reality for Hoosiers almost every year. If you find yourself driving in more potentially dangerous conditions on the road in Indiana with road conditions deteriorating due to ice or snow, follow these tips to hopefully avoid collisions or ending up in a ditch.

What to do if you get into a skid

If your car starts to skid on an icy road, do the following:

1. Take your foot off the accelerator and not hit the brakes.

2. Look at the direction you want to go, not where your car is going.

3. For one front wheel skiddingwrites Car and Driver Magazine, point your vehicle where you want to go. Gently turn the handlebars in the direction of the skid.

4. If you are in a rear wheel skidding – where the rear tires lose traction and you feel yourself spinning – turn the handlebars in the same direction the rear end is sliding.

   • For example, if your rear wheels slide to the left, turn the wheel to the left.

5. If necessary, apply the brakes lightly to get out of the skid.

How can you reduce the risk while driving in the snow?

Don’t be a jerk (no, really). The key to safe driving when there is ice on the road, writes Car And Driver Magazine, is to operate the steering wheel, accelerator and brakes as smoothly as possible. Jerky movements – suddenly turning the steering wheel or slamming your foot on the brake or accelerator pedal – can send your car into a skid.

Remember: Drive slowly and carefully, as if there is a three-tiered wedding cake in the backseat and a pot of boiling water on your lap. The smoother your ride, the better off you are.

The story continues after the photo gallery.

How much space should you give when driving in the snow?

Slippery roads drastically reduce your vehicle’s braking power, even if you have four-wheel drive. To help avoid a collision, give yourself triple braking distance, experts say, or 8-10 seconds of following distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.

How to check road conditions on Indiana highways.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is tracking travel statuses for every county in the state. Hoosiers can also check INDOT’s TrafficWise website for information on traffic conditions, road closures and travel times on roads throughout Indiana.

Winter weather: What Indiana’s travel advisory map means

How drivers can prepare for bad winter weather

Staying safe on Indiana’s roads during a winter storm can largely depend on how well prepared you are. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers these tips:

• Knowledge: Before you leave home, inquire about driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather and their limits. If the weather is bad, remember, “Ice and snow, take it easy,” or just don’t go.

• Clearly: Remove any snow from your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.

• Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is annoying on a good day and dangerous on a day with bad weather.

• Time: Allow enough time to reach your destination safely. It is not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

• Kit: Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots and a first aid kit. Load your car with winter equipment, including snow chains, ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables and road lights.

How safe is it to drive in snow?

Even for seasoned drivers, driving in the snow can be dangerous and deadly. According to Kelley Blue Book, a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows that snowy roads and roads covered with ice, mud or water are responsible for nearly 500,000 vehicle crashes and more than 2,000 traffic fatalities each year.

Weather forecast Indianapolis: Snow showers and high winds could impact travel conditions Wednesday night, NWS says

What should you do if your vehicle gets stuck in freezing weather?

If your vehicle gets stuck in snowy or icy weather, follow these tips from the Indiana State Police:

• Don’t walk away from your car. It’s the best protection you have.

• Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.

• Roll the window down a little for fresh air.

• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of blockages to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Leave the dome light on at night to aid the viewfinders.

• Don’t panic! An idling car uses only one liter of gasoline per hour.

Visit INDOT online for more winter weather driving tips.

Snow forecast: Snow showers and high winds could impact travel conditions Wednesday night, NWS says

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Avoid the Skid. How to drive in winter in Indiana when ice and snow comes