TIPS FOR SAFE WINTER DRIVING
If you don’t absolutely have to drive when the weather’s bad and roads are icy, stay home. If you don’t have a choice, your chances of having a safe trip are better if you and your vehicle are both well prepared.
YOUR VEHICLE
Has your vehicle been winterized? Hopefully, you’ve already covered the things on this list, and your vehicle is ready for winter driving:
* Engine tuned up
* Battery checked
* Fluids at proper levels
* Freeze-resistant solution in windshield washer reservoir
* Wiper blades working properly
* Tires in good condition, with plenty of tread
Never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area such as a garage, which may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, it’s easier on your car if you don’t allow it to idle for more than 30 seconds after you start it. And try to keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to avoid fuel line freeze up.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
It’s always a good idea to carry emergency supplies in case you need them, including the following items:
* Snow shovel
* Ice scraper
* Flashlight (and extra batteries)
* Something to provide traction (sand, salt, traction mats, kitty litter)
* Jumper cables
* Warning device (flares or reflective triangles)
* A piece of brightly color cloth or ribbon (something to tie to the antenna if you get stranded)
* Something for warmth (sleeping bag, blankets, ski cap, gloves)
* First aid kit
* Bottled water
* Cell phone
DRIVING
* Before you drive, clear the ice and snow from your vehicle (including all windows, mirrors and wipers).
* Wear your seatbelt! And make sure all passengers are buckled up, too.
* If roads are snow packed or icy, slow down! Even if your vehicle has good traction in ice and snow, there will be other vehicles around you that don’t. And remember that bridges, ramps and overpasses usually freeze first.
* Don’t use cruise control if you’re driving in slippery conditions.
* Even when most roads seem OK, you may still encounter slick spots or black ice.
* If you’re driving through deep or drifting snow, don’t slow down too much: your vehicle needs momentum to keep moving.
* To avoid skids, brake gently on snow or ice. “Squeeze” your brakes in slow,steady strokes, allowing the wheels to keep rolling. If they start to lock up, ease off the brake. As you slow down, you may want to shift into a lower gear.
* Skids usually happen because your vehicle is going too fast for road conditions – so drive carefully.
* When you’re braking on a slippery road, it’s easy to “lock up” your wheels by stepping on the brakes too hard. Braking hard with non-anti-lock brakes will make the skid worse.
* If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep your foot on the pedal. If it doesn’t have ABS brakes, pump the pedal gently, pumping more rapidly as your vehicle slows down.
STUCK IN SNOW? STRANDED IN A BLIZZARD?
No one expects to slide off the road or get stranded in a blizzard – but it happens.
* If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It gives you temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
* Don’t leave your vehicle unless help is visible nearby. It’s easy to lose sight of your car in blowing snow and become lost and disoriented.
* Run the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour – just long enough to warm things up a little bit. During that time, run the heater and turn on an inside light to help keep warm.
* Make sure your exhaust pipe isn’t clogged. A blocked exhaust can cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the car. If necessary, open a downwind window for air.
* Tie a brightly colored piece of cloth or ribbon to your antenna to make it easier for rescuers or other motorists to see you. If it’s dark outside, keep an interior light on to make you more visible.
* Keep moving as much as possible to keep warm.
Please drive carefully.
And remember… Spring is just around the corner!