The winter season, forever accompanied by ample snowfall in many parts of the world, usually results in one of two effects on people: there are those who stay bundled up indoors, unwilling to brave the slippery roads and chilly air, and those who get energized from a snowy weather forecast.

Logically, it makes sense to hang out inside and skip your drive when there’s inclement weather outside, but it’s important to know that there are several ways to ensure that you reach your desired destination safely. It all comes down to what you drive, how you drive, and whether or not you’re prepared.

Get A Satellite Phone Rental For Your Winter Driving Trips

At Outfitter Satellite, we believe that preparedness is not just the key to survival, but to living a long, happy, and healthy life full of adventure. That’s why we’re proud to carry what we believe to be one of the single most important survival items for remote workers, extreme alpinists and mountaineers, and those who spend time far away from any cell phone reception: satellite phones.

A sat phone is, in many situations, a lifeline. This is your way to contact the outside world, and though satellite communications equipment may weight down your gear bag when you’re hauling it out in the wintery wilderness, it’s worth the peace of mind knowing that you’ll be safe. Trust us.

With the help of an Iridium satellite phone or another satellite phone rental from trusted brands like Thuraya or Inmarsat, you’ll have communication accounted for. For other ways to stay safe when headed off to your favorite winter destinations this season, read below.

Safe Winter Driving Tips — Get There Safely

Get Quality Snow Tires

It doesn’t matter if you have a fresh set of “all-season” tires. It doesn’t matter if you drive a Range Rover or a Land Cruiser with a sophisticated and capable Four Wheel Drive system. The simple fact of the matter is that, if you’re driving in the winter in an area of the world with a lot of snowfall — complete with slick roads — you’re going to need snow tires.

Studless or studded snow tires (studded are even better) offer superior traction when turning, accelerating, and most importantly, braking. The rubber compound is designed to perform optimally in cold weather conditions, providing sticky grip to the slick road in a way that summer tires or all-season tires simply can’t execute. Sure, all-season tires are great on wet roads, but once things freeze over, they’re not very effective.

Don’t think that your Symmetrical All Wheel Drive Subaru or fancy Four Wheel Drive pickup truck with standard tires is going to outperform a Front Wheel Drive or Rear Wheel Drive vehicle fitted with high-quality snow tires. Don’t believe us? Watch this video.

Take It Slow

Even with a mighty SUV fitted with ultra-capable snow tires, you’ll still want to take things slow on the road when the going gets slippery. The last thing you want to do is be overconfident and end up sliding off of the road, let alone hit another driver.

It’s also important to note that, while you can control the capability of your own vehicle as well as your own safe driving, you can’t control other cars on the road, just your reactions to them. That’s why you should always leave a great amount of space in between your bumper and the vehicle in front of you on the road. That way, you can progressively brake and avoid someone rear-ending you.

In any case, it’s always worth avoiding an insurance nightmare, especially when you’re in a remote area miles away from a town.

Turn On Your Lights!