Drive Safely in Winter Traffic

If you plan to drive an electric car during the Christmas and New Year holidays in Sweden, there are a few extra things you should consider to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here are some tips and facts to make your winter driving easier, especially if you drive an electric car.

Before we dive into the specific tips for electric car driving in the winter, let's first review some general tips for safe driving during the holiday season.

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  Start the journey in good time: Traffic during Christmas and New Year can be intense, so give yourself extra time. Santa prefers a safe arrival to a stressful drive.
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  Plan the route: Choose large roads with center rails for increased safety.
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  Be rested: Longer trips require extra vigilance. If possible, share the drive if there are several of you who have a driver's license.
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  Avoid alcohol: Never drive drunk and make sure no one else in the car does. Leave the car the day after the party.
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  Keep the speed limits and distance: Slow down in bad weather and make sure everyone is wearing seat belts. Avoid cell phone use while driving.
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  Take regular breaks: Avoid fatigue by planning breaks in advance. One leg extensor too much won't hurt.
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  Good tires and lights: Make sure your tires are in good condition and that your lights are on in the dark and bad weather.
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  Prepare the car: Have necessary equipment such as warning triangle, flashlight, warm blankets, sand and salt, shovel, reflective vest, jumper cables, tow line and ice scraper.
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  Pack correctly: Stow your luggage smartly, check the air pressure if you packed a lot.
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  Stay informed: Keep track of weather forecasts and traffic information for a smoother journey.

Tips for Electric Car Driving in Winter:

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  Preheat the car: Cooling requires extra energy to heat the battery and passenger compartment, which can affect range. Preheat the car before disconnecting the charger and setting off.
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  Plan charging stops: When it's cold, the electric car's range decreases. Plan your charging stops and find out where the charging stations are along your route.
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  Charge immediately upon arrival: A warm battery charges faster. Charge the car as soon as you arrive at your destination.
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  Drive a little slower: Higher speeds increase energy consumption. Slow down to increase range.
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  Snow affects: When there is deep snow or extensive snow slush on the road, it increases the resistance of the electric car and it affects the range negatively. Keep that in your calculations.

In Christmas traffic, it is important to make informed choices. The risk of accidents increases during this period, and there are some specific dates to be extra careful on. December 22nd is historically the most unlucky day, so if possible you should avoid it. Your own behavior behind the wheel also affects the risk of accidents. Avoid unnecessary overtaking and respect the speed limits. Driving an electric car in winter can be a positive experience with the right preparations. By being aware of the specific challenges and following these tips, you can ensure that your trip will be as smooth as the carols on your playlist. So, charge up your electric car, enjoy the winter scenery and drive safely to your Christmas destination.

Merry Christmas and a safe New Year!

#SäkerVinterkörning #Electric car #Christmas traffic #KörSäkert