CDL licensed drivers know the road. They are out traveling the highways and city streets of this country everyday, and it's how they make their living. When you make your living as a driver, you learn a few tricks and tips that help you save gas, make better time, and stay safe. Fortunately, these principles can be applied to everyday travel as well, such as a trip to the grocery store or a daily commute to work. Cold Weather Driving Tips Black ice is the cause of many accidents each year. If the temperature has fallen below 32° at any point during the previous night, ice may be present on the road even if it's not immediately visible. One way to check if icy road conditions are likely is to check the mirrors of your vehicle. Touch the glass and if a thin layer of ice is present, the roads may be icy. When driving in slushy snow or on icy roads, try to stay near the edge of the road as much as possible. Extra salt and cinders get brushed to side of the road with every passing car. You will find better traction by staying near the edge of the road and if you loose control, you will not careen wildly before coming to a stop. Do not drive in the tire tracks of others. Heavy vehicles passing repeatedly over the same spot will compact the snow and the heat from the passing tires will melt the uppermost layer, creating a crust of ice as it cools over the compacted snow. Make fresh tracks to keep better traction and avoid icy patches hidden under snowy tracks. How To Get There Faster And Save Gas The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. By hugging curves and riding the apex of a turn, you can shave miles off your distance traveled everyday, and arrive at your destination sooner. Keep it under 60 mph. Traveling over 60 mph requires considerably more fuel to maintain your speed. Accelerate gently and coast before braking. Allow the momentum of the vehicle to carry you through a turn, then accelerate gently once you hit the apex to continue the momentum of the vehicle and propel your car out of the turn. Staying Safe Always drive defensively. Try to anticipate what traffic around you will do next. Check your rear view mirror frequently for potential problems advancing from behind. An unobservant driver may not be slowing down and may be poised to rear end your vehicle at a stop light. Keeping an eye open for potential problems can give you precious seconds to react and position yourself for minimal damage during a crash. When sitting at a stop light, never pull up to the car in front of you. Leave enough distance that you can see the undercarriage of the nearest car. This will give you enough space to pull out of traffic should a problem arise. Staying safe on the road is important to every driver. Taking sage advice from the professionals can help keep you safe and keep you moving.