Safe Winter Driving Tips

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.  Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers.  If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions  To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Prepare your car for winter starting with a checkup that includes:

• Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
• Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
• Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
• Inspecting the distributor.
• Checking the battery.
• Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
• Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.

Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner’s manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

You should be prepared for an emergency road situation at all times—no matter what the weather.  In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:

• Properly-inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tow and tire chains
• Bag of salt, sand or cat litter
• Tool kit

Always maintain emergency supplies in your vehicle; don’t forget to replenish them after use:

• Working flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• First-aid kit
• Exterior windshield cleaner, ice-scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
• Scissors and string/cord
• Non-perishable, high-energy foods like canned nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
• Bottled water
• Winter essentials like mittens, socks, hats and blankets

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.  You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding.  If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Clean your lights and windshield frequently.
5. Use low gears to maintain traction, especially on hills.
6. Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently-traveled roads, which will freeze first.  Even when temperatures are above freezing, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways, especially if conditions are wet.
8. Do not pass snow plows and sanding trucks.  The drivers have limited visibility and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Do not assume your vehicle can handle all conditions.  Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction of the skid.  If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left.  If they are sliding right, steer right.
3. 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.
4. Pump standard brakes gently.
5. Do not pump anti-lock brakes (ABS).  Apply steady pressure; you will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
2. 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 put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

1. Do not spin your wheels.  This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Ease your car out by using a light touch on the gas.
4. Clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels to help get traction.
6. 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.

Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are and that you are certain you will improve your situation.  To attract attention, light two flares at each end of the car and hang a bright cloth from your antenna.  If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so.  Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by using the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.  Keep at least one window open slightly.  Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

The most important precaution to remember when weather poses potential hazards: ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR TRAVEL…don’t risk an accident by being in a rush! Also, don’t forget to set your ADT Alarm System on your way out the door, to ensure that your home is protected while you are out on the road.