Safe Winter Driving

The three key elements to safe winter driving are:   

Stay alert; Slow down; and Stay in control

Tip 1: When driving on ice or slick streets, DON'T make any quick changes in speed or direction. If your vehicle starts to skid, take your foot off the brake or gas pedal if the skid is a result of hard acceleration or braking. Shift to neutral, and look and steer in the direction that you want to go. Just before your wheels stop skidding, counter steer until you are going the desired direction.

Tip 2: Admit it, you've spotted cars that look as if they have been stuck in a blizzard for months with only a quarter-sized spot clear on the windshield. DON'T be that person. Although it takes some extra effort, make the time to clean the snow off your vehicle before getting behind the wheel. Ice and snow interfere with your vision and can become dangerous projectiles that damage other vehicles and affect the visibility of drivers near your automobile. It only seems obvious, right?

Tip 3: Before making your wintry trek, DON'T forget to check your windshield washer fluid.

Make sure to keep the reservoir full at all times -- especially during winter months. And when you're buying a new bottle, be sure the solution is made with antifreeze components.

Tip 4: DON'T forget to clean your headlights. That way, other drivers will be able to see you easier.

Tip 5: When is the last time you checked your tires? Tread and traction are key to a safe drive, so DON'T blow off checking them before you leave for work.

Tip 6: Are you a white knuckler in snowy conditions? DON'T be so tense. Be sure to sit at least 10 inches away from your steering wheel so there is plenty of space for emergency steering maneuvers. That will also allow room for the airbag to inflate should that situation arise.

Tip 7: If there's a slow driver in front of you, DON'T ride their bumper. Instead, it's a safer idea to increase your distance from the vehicle in front of you. This way, you can stop with more time.

Tip 8: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. DON'T leave any of these items behind: An ice scraper, cloth or roll of paper towels, battery starter cables, first-aid kit, nonperishable snacks, drinking water, blanket, gloves, warning devices such as flares or triangles, window washing solvent, flashlight, traction mats, snow brush, snow shovel, tire chains and a small bag of abrasive material such as sand, salt or kitty litter for traction.

Tip 9: Here's another obvious one: DON'T drive too fast when weather conditions are less-thanideal.

Tip 10: Did your phone just buzz? DON'T pick it up. Distracted driving is already bad enough, but it's only amplified in winter weather conditions.

BONUS TIP: Just out of common courtesy, DON'T forget to be safe, calm and kind to everybody else braving the roadways.

Driving tips:         

Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

Always look and steer where you want to go.

Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

Tips for long-distance winter trips: 

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Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas.

Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.

Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.

Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.

If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.

Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.

Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

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Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.

Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.

If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow: 

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Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.

The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.

Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Preparing your vehicle for winter driving Reliable transportation is especially important in the winter. Not only should you keep your vehicle in top operating condition all year round - for safety and fuel economy, it is especially important to get it winterized to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous situation while traveling in frigid weather. Check the following:   

Ignition system Fuel system Belts

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Fluid levels Brakes Exhaust system Wiper blades and windshield washer fluid Snow tires Tire tread and pressure Defroster Proper grade oil Cooling system Battery Lights Antifreeze

Always fill the gasoline tank before a long trip or even for a short distance. Stop to fill-up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping your tank as full as possible will minimize condensation, providing the maximum advantage in case of trouble.

A cellular phone can be very useful to you or another stranded motorist in case of an emergency.   

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Clear all windows and lights of frost and snow.

Drive with your headlights on.

Stock your car with basic winter driving equipment: A scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. (See Winter car supplies below.)

Also include road flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing, and flashlight with batteries.

Remember to reverse the batteries in the case to avoid accidental switching, and burnout.

Warm the batteries between your legs before using them.

Winter car supplies Keep winter car supplies that can assist you in case of an emergency. You easily can equip your vehicle with essential gear for winter. Here's what you'll need:         

Booster cables Two or more blankets Snow shovel and scraper Flashlight and extra batteries Extra clothing: cap, mittens, parka and overshoes or boots in case you have to walk for help.

High calorie, non-perishable food like candy and canned nuts.

Sand or strips of carpet for traction.

Extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze Flares or reflectors

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Cloth/paper towels Piece of bright cloth

Safe Winter Driving Tips        

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Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof- before driving Leave plenty of room for stopping.

Pay attention don't try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.

Know the current road conditions.

Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.

Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.

Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line. Be aware of this when exiting the highway.

Don't use the "cruise control" option driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that, if you are driving a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle may help you get going quicker but it won't help you stop any quicker. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle's traction.

Look further ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.

Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows - stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. (See additional information below.)

Most importantly please remember to SLOW DOWN! Also, seat belts should be worn at all times - it's the law.

Use Common Sense While Driving Near Plows

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Remember that the road in front of the plow is usually in much worse condition than the roadway behind the plow. Plows will typically travel under 35 miles per hour and there is always a temptation to pass them. For your safety, it is recommended that you stay a safe distance behind the snowplows.

During plowing operations, visibility can be reduced by blowing snow and plow operators may need time to stop or move over to avoid stranded vehicles. Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the plow is very important in order to avoid accidents.

Allow plenty of room when passing a snowplow. Do not cut back into the lane ahead of the plow too quickly since the blade extends several feet ahead of the truck. Some snowplows are equipped with a "wing plow," a 10-12 foot extension off the side of the truck. Be aware that the hazard exists.

When you see an approaching snow plow on an undivided roadway, move as far away from the center line as you safely can since blowing snow may obscure the actual width of the snowplow's blade.

Turn on your lights- to see and be seen. Brush the snow off your headlights and taillights frequently.

Winter driving requires motorists to be careful and alert, but the most important tip for winter driving is: SLOW DOWN!

In Case You Are Stranded While Driving In Winter 

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Call 911. If you have access to a telephone call 911 to summons help. In other states you may be able to call 911 or "O" to get the operator on the line. When you talk to authorities, be prepared to: o Describe the location, condition of your companions and the trouble you are experiencing. o Listen for questions. o Follow any instruction. You may be told you should stay where you are to guide rescuers or to return to the scene. o Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.

Stay in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You can lose your way, wander out of reach, become exhausted, collapse and risk your life. Your vehicle itself is a good shelter.

Avoid overexertion. Attempting to push your car, trying to jack it into a new position or shoveling snow takes great effort in storm conditions. You could risk heart attack or other injury.

Calm down and think. The storm will end and you will be found. Don't work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation quality making you more susceptible to the effects of hypothermia.

Keep fresh air in your vehicle. It is much better to be chilly or cold and awake than to become comfortably warm and slip into unconsciousness. Freezing-wet or wind-driven snow can plug your vehicle's exhaust system causing deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your vehicle.

Don't run the engine-unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects. Keep the radiator free from snow to prevent the engine from overheating. Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.

Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.

Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and legs. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or put them under your armpits or between your legs. Remove your shoes occasionally and rub your feet.

Don't expect to be comfortable. The challenge is to survive until you're found.

Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.

In Case You Are Involved In An Accident    

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Check to see if anyone is injured.

If necessary, call 911 and request an ambulance or emergency services.

If possible, move your vehicle off the road.

Exchange name, address, driver's license number, vehicle registration, and insurance information with all drivers or property owners who are involved. You must show your driver's license and registration if asked to do so.

If you have damaged a parked vehicle or stationary property, you must try to locate the owner to report the accident or notify the police.

Drive smoothly and gently Driving in ice and snow isn’t just about leaving more space, though. It requires a very different driving style that relatively few people are aware of.

For starters, your use of all the controls – steering, throttle and brake – should be as smooth, slow and progressive as you can make them. Abrupt changes in the car’s attitude will cause the tyres to lose what little grip on the road’s surface they have. That could lead to you skidding, spinning your wheels, or getting stuck before you’ve even pulled away.

In a manual car, move off slowly by slipping the clutch as gently as you can, keeping the engine revs low, and ensure you change gear early as you accelerate and late as you decelerate, again so that you keep the revs to a minimum. Lower revs mean the engine is turning more slowly, which reduces the risk of wheelspin.

If you’re driving an automatic or four-wheel-drive car, check to see whether it has a low-ratio mode. This can be indicated by a snowflake symbol or an ‘L’ on a switch near to the gear lever.

If it has one of these, you should use it. You should avoid using ‘sport’ mode in an automatic car that’s so-equipped.

You should also try and avoid sudden manoeuvres that might unbalance the car, such as sharp steering or braking. Doing so increases the likelihood of your car skidding.

How to deal with skidding It is a good idea to gently test your brakes and steering now and again to get an idea of how slippery the road is. Obviously, you should pick a straight, clear piece of road away from any junctions, and make sure there’s nobody following you when you do so.

It’s also advisable to keep the volume of your radio turned down when driving on snow. Your ears can often give you the first warning that you’ve hit a slippery patch. Driving through snow patches will create more tyre noise than usual thanks to its crunching, as well as the roar of snow being kicked up into the wheel arches. Conversely, if the tyre noise suddenly goes quiet, that can mean you’re driving on a patch of ice.

If you do hit a patch of slippery road and you feel the car start to skid, you should take your foot off the accelerator and allow the speed to drop by itself until you regain control. Avoid using the brakes, as this will prolong the skid. If the car starts to spin while you are skidding, steer into the direction of the spin and allow the car to straighten up.