by Kate Evans
Winter weather can cause dangerous driving conditions, sparking accidents and vehicle problems that can strand or delay motorists.
Police, emergency preparedness, driver safety officials and others recommend several approaches to vehicle safety and maintenance that can protect drivers traveling in wintertime.
The most important thing is to stay home when the roads are treacherous and unsafe if you don’ t have to go out, Morgan County Sheriff K.C. Bohrer has advised. If you must go out, take extra time and give plenty of room between yourself and other vehicles. You need adequate stopping distance when roads are slick.
Sometimes an all-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary. Also check your tires to ensure they are sufficient to maintain control of your vehicle in the winter.
A A A officials say if you have to travel, listen to weather reports and traffic conditions where you plan to go and allow enough time to not be rushed.
Slow down and adjust your speed to the road conditions. Leave yourself plenty of room to stop and accelerate and turn and brake as smoothly and gradually as possible.
Drive only in the daylight if you must drive in a winter storm. Let someone know your destination and estimated arrival time so help can be sent if your vehicle gets stuck. Stay on the main roads and avoid back roads and shortcuts.
Make sure your vehicle windows are clean and that your windshield fluid reservoir is always full. Use a winter windshield cleaning solution with antifreeze components. Replace worn windshield wiper blades.
Clean your headlights so you can see and others can see you.
Also clean the snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. Ice and snow can impair vision and visibility and can become projectiles that damage other vehicles.
Don’t tailgate. Extend your following distance to five or six seconds or more on slippery roads to give yourself enough braking time in an emergency. If you can’t stop in time to avoid hitting something, steer around it.
Never use cruise control on slippery roads as it will be more difficult to regain traction if your vehicle skids or hydroplanes.
Black ice, skids
Be very cautious on bridges, roadways, walkways and overpasses because of potential black ice.
Black ice is a thin sheet of ice that looks like wet pavement and is difficult to see since it’ s almost invisible. Vehicle accidents and pedestrian injuries from falls can occur on black ice.
If your vehicle starts to skid, don’ t slam on your brakes. Take your foot off the brake or gas pedal if the skid is a result of hard braking or acceleration. Steer in the direction that you want your vehicle to go.
If stuck
If you get stuck, stay with your vehicle. Tie a brightly colored distress cloth to your
antenna. Run the car and heater every hour for about 10 minutes to stay warm. Keep moving your arms and legs for circulation and warmth.
Have a downwind window open slightly to let in air. Keep your exhaust pipe clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Vehicle supplies
Homeland Security officials recommend that motorists carry an emergency supply kit and keep a snow shovel, sleeping bag, blankets and warm extra clothing including gloves, jackets and hats in the passenger compartment of their vehicle at all times in winter.
Other emergency items to have inside your vehicle: tire chains, jumper cables, emergency flares or reflective triangles, extra vehicle fluids, windshield fluid, spare wiper blades, a flashlight, ice scraper, snow brush, rock salt and kitty litter or sand for traction.
Also keep non-perishable snacks, juice, protein bars and drinks, drinking water, toilet paper, paper towels, a first aid kit, a portable cell phone and charger and extra medications with you.
Vehicle safety
Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full in case of emergency and to keep your fuel line from freezing. Have antifreeze at adequate levels to avoid freezing.
Make sure your vehicle’s brakes, exhaust system, filters, hoses, ignition system, heater and defrost, thermostat, lights and hazard lights are in top working condition. Have your spare tire properly inflated and your battery tested if it’s more than three years old.
Maintain proper fluid levels, check the oil and make sure that the battery terminals are clean. Check tire pressure and tire treads. A A A officials recommend at least a 4/32 inch tread depth. If a quarter inserted in the tread has the top of George W ashington’ s head exposed, the tread is less than 4/32 inch. New tires are recommended.
Stay informed about winter storm watches and warnings by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or monitoring the internet or radio and television stations.
