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| • Before taking any vehicle on the road in the winter, have it tuned up. Check the condition of the battery. Test the brakes and exhaust system. Check fluid levels, add antifreeze and switch to winter-weight motor oil. Put on snow tires, replace wiper blades, and carry emergency equipment. Emergency equipment should include sand or kitty litter, salt, a shovel, chains, a snow scraper/brush, booster cables, blankets and flashlight.
• If you must go out, plan ahead. Let someone know your route and when to expect you in case you experience problems. Make sure your car is cleared of snow and ice, ensuring maximum visibility and preventing it from blowing back and blinding you and other drivers. • Drive with at least a half tank of gas. The extra weight will increase your traction. Also, your heater won't work if you run out of gas. • Of all the things you can do to make driving less stressful, giving yourself a little more time, is the most important. More time to get to and from work and more time to stop when you're on the road. • The biggest hazard of winter driving is slippery roads - caused by ice, slushy snow or freezing rain. Remember how far it takes to bring your car to a stop on dry pavement? In winter conditions, allow at least three times that distance to reach a full stop and avoid skidding. This means your safe distance behind the car in front of you should be three times as far. Use low gears on slick surfaces, especially hills and curves. Test your brakes frequently and never tailgate. • If your car should skid, do not brake. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and turn your car in the direction that you want the front wheels to go. Use gentle, steady motions when turning the steering wheel. Turning too much or too fast can worsen the situation. • Keep your car or truck in good condition, allow extra time and space on the road, and listen to the weather forecast - sometimes the best winter driving strategy is to stay home. • Drivers are reminded to operate their vehicles according to the road conditions at hand. |
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