Winter safe driving tips
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By Times online staff | Thursday, January 17, 2008 |
Winter safe driving tips
-- Don't crowd the plow. Remember, a snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
-- Watch out for black ice roads that appear clear may be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas all are prone to black ice.
-- Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing.
-- Dress warmly for the weather. Dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.
-- Make sure someone is aware of your travel route.
-- Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Correcting a skid; if you’re stuck
If your rear wheels skid
-- Take your foot off the accelerator.
-- Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
-- If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
-- If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
-- If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes.
If your front wheels skid
-- Take your foot off the gas; don't try to steer immediately.
-- As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go, then accelerate gently.
If you get stuck
-- Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
-- Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
-- Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
-- Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
-- Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
-- Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first -- it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services.
More winter safe driving tips from the Iowa and Illinois DOT
Winterize your vehicle now. To minimize the possibility of a breakdown, winterize your vehicle and get it tuned up. Check, or have a mechanic check, your vehicle's wipers, hoses, battery, alternator, belts, tires, brakes, exhaust system, lights, and fluid levels. Make sure your vehicle's heater and defroster are in good working order. A breakdown is bad on a good day, but can be dangerous on a bad weather day.
Get your emergency survival kit and supplies prepared and in your vehicle. A cellular telephone with a backup power source might be the single most important safety item available to drivers. Basic survival kits should be placed in each vehicle. When planning a long commute or any long trips in the winter, it might seem like a lot of stuff, but in the event you're stranded during a winter storm these items could mean the difference between life and death.
A basic winter survival kit for the car includes: windshield scraper and small broom for snow and ice removal, sand or kitty litter to regain traction on slippery surfaces, blankets, first aid kit, flashlights, non-perishable food and water, jumper cables, de-icer, extra batteries, rags and paper towels, basic tool kit, antifreeze, no-freeze windshield washer fluid and extra drive belt(s), shovel, traction mats or old rugs, tire chains, extra clothing including hats, socks, waterproof boots, coats and gloves, non-perishable, high-calorie food, candles, waterproof matches and a metal container (coffee can) in which to melt snow into water, flares or roadway reflectors and a fire extinguisher.
As always, drivers should use basic safe driving habits --- buckling up, driving alert and sober, and operating your vehicle at a safe and legal speed. Special precautions need to be followed when winter weather causes ice or snow on Iowa roadways, including reducing your speed for conditions. Don't turn your family car into an off-road vehicle by driving too fast for conditions.
Pretrip planning
During a winter storm the very first question you must ask yourself should be. "Is this trip really necessary?"
-- If you decide the trip cannot be delayed, check on weather conditions along your travel route. This will give you an idea of what to expect and you will be able to prepare accordingly. Listen to weather forecasts on TV, local radio stations, or NOAA weather radio. Current road condition information is updated every two hours during a storm. CLICK HERE for Illinois road conditions. CLICK HERE for Iowa road conditions.
-- Tell someone at home, a friend or a co-worker that you are taking a trip, where you are going and when you expect to get there. When you reach your destination make a phone call to report that you have arrived.
-- If your trip will be in unfamiliar area, plan to travel during daylight hours and carry up-to-date maps of the areas where you'll be traveling. Consider alternate routes. Make sure you have proper personal identification, registration and insurance information for your vehicle.
-- Before you leave town, fill your gas tank. While you are traveling, frequently re-fill the gas tank. The stops will relieve tense muscles. When you stop, don't flaunt large amounts of cash. Keep valuable items out of sight. Avoid talking with strangers. Stop at well lighted, well traveled facilities. Other safety tips include Don't crowd the plow. Remember, a snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
-- Watch out for black ice roads that appear clear may be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas all are prone to black ice.
-- Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing.
-- Dress warmly for the weather. Dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.
-- Make sure someone is aware of your travel route.
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