The cold and snowy winter weather is just around the corner and so is the need to
prepare and protect yourself during the hazardous winter driving. No one wants to
break down any time, but especially not in the cold or snowy weather. Now is a good
time to get your car serviced and your mind thinking and prepared for your travels
coming in the next few months.
Car: Your car needs to be winterized and running at peak performance for safe winter driving. Have a strong battery, fluids checked and full, fresh windshield wipers, and good tires for traction and control. Now is a good time to have all of the car’s systems checked before the first surprise snow and ice storm hit. Keep the gas tank full and your cell phone charged.
Plan Your Trip: Always check the weather and plan accordingly – expect the
unexpected. Program your car radio for traffic reports and emergency messages and
check the weather apps on your phone. Let others know your route and travel times
and give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. Keep a minimum of extra
clothing, a blanket, high calorie non-perishable food, and a first aid kit in your car.
Depending on your travels, you will likely need to customize your survival kit.
Prepare Yourself: Stay rested – stay alert. Driving in ice and snow requires you to
be mentally alert and rely on past driving experience to analyze situations and stay
safe. Visibility is often less, while reaction and stopping times are greater, during
winter driving. Slow down, increase your distance between cars, and avoid texting
and talking on the phone when driving in winter conditions.
Protect Yourself: Always buckle up and make sure your passengers are too. Slow
down and make sure there is enough distance between you the car in front of you.
Steer into a skid and stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock brakes. lf your
vehicle breaks down, pull as far off of the road as possible. Stay in the car and call for
help. For road emergencies call 911.
Remember: Most accidents are caused by drivers following too closely and
failing to yield and maintain control.
For additional winter driving tips – driving on ice & snow visit: Winter Driving
