How SC drivers can safely drive in the impending snow and sleet if they must travel

Assuming you already have your bread and milk before the snow and ice storm hits Upstate South Carolina Friday, there are some other things you need to do to get ready.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has an extensive list on its website of preparations and how to drive in the snow, but the main message they have is don’t. Stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary for you to go someplace.

Especially with the timing of the upcoming storm, overnight Friday into Saturday morning. It will be dark, further limiting visibility. It will also be cold — 22 degrees is the current forecast.

The National Weather Service says snow will fall north of Interstate 85 and freezing rain south of the interstate.

Chances are it will be a mess. The storm is expected to move out of the area Friday afternoon, leaving up to 3 inches of snow, according to the Weather Channel.

SC Public Safety said preparation is essential. Don’t wait to check your battery, windshield wipers, tires, brakes, lights and heating and defrost systems. Frayed windshield wipers and worn tires are especially hazardous.

Inside your vehicle you should have jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blankets, gloves, socks, hats, a first aid kit, flash light with extra batteries, cat litter or sand for better tire traction and to help free your vehicle in case you get stuck.

Before you go anywhere you must clear your windshield, windows and mirrors of snow and ice. It is the law. Turn on the heat and let the car clear itself.

You can also use one-third cup of cold/cool water and two-thirds cup of rubbing alcohol to rapidly defrost the glass, Public Safety said.

Winter weather driving tips

Now comes the how to drive part of Public Safety’s message.

“Winter conditions call for a different kind of driving than normal weather — slower speed, slower acceleration, smoother steering, and slower braking,” the agency said on its website.

They suggest increasing the distance between you and the vehicle ahead and avoid using cruise control. Do not under any circumstances slam on brakes. See above - following too closely.

Here’s how to handle skidding, according to Public Safety:

• Take your foot off the accelerator.

• Counter steer - Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. For example, if the rear of your vehicle is sliding left, gently steer left into the skid. If it’s sliding right, gently steer right.

• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

Public Safety says if you get stuck don’t spin your wheels. It might be a natural reaction, but the truth is you’re only digging yourself into a deeper rut.

Instead, turn the wheels to push snow out of the way and then apply a light touch on the gas.

If that doesn’t work you’ve got to get out. Hopefully you have a shovel to clear the wheels and the underside of the car.

Here’s where the sand, cat litter, gravel, or salt comes in. Pour it into the path of the wheels to help the tires get traction.

This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 5:30 AM.