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Tips for
Safe Winter Driving
Winter driving
can be hazardous and scary, especially in northern regions that
get a lot of snow and ice. Additional preparations can help make
a trip safer, or help motorists deal with an emergency. The Department
of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
provides these safety tips for to help prevent motor vehicle injuries
due to winter storms.
The Three
P's of Safe Winter Driving:
PREPARE
for the trip;
PROTECT yourself; and
PREVENT crashes on the road.
PREPARE
Maintain Your Car:
Check battery and tire tread, keep your windows clear, put nofreeze
fluid in the washer reservoir, check your antifreeze.
Have On Hand:
flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter,
even floor mats), shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices
(like flares) and blankets. For long trips, add food and water,
medication and cell phone.
Stopped or Stalled?
Stay with your car, don't over exert, put bright markers on antenna
or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear
exhaust pipe and run it just enough to stay warm.
Plan Your Route:
Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary),
be familiar with the maps/directions, and let others know your route
and arrival time.
Practice Cold Weather Driving!
- During daylight,
rehearse maneuvers slowly on the ice or snow in an empty lot
- Steer into
a skid
- Know what
your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock
brakes
- Stopping
distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice
- Don't idle
for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Buckle up
and use child safety seats properly
- Never place
a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag
- Children
12 and under are much safer in the back seat
- Sit back
10 inches from an air bag
PREVENT CRASHES
- Drugs and
alcohol never mix with driving
- Slow down
and increase distances between cars
- Keep your
eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road
- Avoid fatigue
- Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three
hours, and rotate drivers if possible
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