Experts Share 5 Helpful Tips For Driving In Montana Winters

Winter is literally right around the corner, so I asked the experts (our listeners) for some helpful tips for driving in Montana winters. I personally have driven in snow, wind, and sleet my whole life. Black Ice? Yep, dealt with that. But some haven't had years of experience and instead of telling those people to go back to where they came from, let's help them.

Here are 5 Helpful Tips for Driving in Montana Winters

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Have good tires.

Having winter tires, whether they are studded or all-season, is a must. If your tires are showing wear and tear, the second you hit a patch of ice on a road you will crash so hard it's like you were wearing Doc Martens on an ice rink.

Slow down, take your time, don't rush.

However you want to word it, patience is so important during winter. Being in a rush will never have a good outcome. It may be annoying following behind someone going 25 MPH in a 40 MPH zone, but it's better to be cautious than it is to be sliding into the person in front of you and causing a huge wreck.

Two hands on the wheel.

Put your phone away, focus on the road, and keep your hands on the steering wheel. You will feel your car slipping and sliding from time to time and you want to be able to have control.

Winter survival kit.

There are many reasons to have this in your vehicle. You could end up in a ditch and wait hours for help to arrive. Someone could get in an accident and you could end up stuck in traffic for hours. A storm could come through while you are on the road and you may have to pull over until it passes. You want to make sure you have some snacks, drinks, first aid, extra blankets, an extra portable charger for your phone, and even having a radio you can listen to weather updates on, are all things you may consider putting in your kit.

Practice, practice, practice.

This may sound odd, but find an empty parking lot and practice starting and stopping on snow and ice. Don't worry about looking foolish, it will all make sense in the end. If you haven't driven on snow or ice ever, it's not easy, it just takes practice.

Winters in Montana can be harsh, as long as you are a confident driver, you will do just fine. Do what you need to do to get your nerves out. You will never not be nervous, but you can be educated.