Safe Driving during the Winter Holidays

12/11/2017

Tis the season, and a great season it always is. This is the time when family and friends get together to console (when needed) and to let those that mean something in our lives know that they are appreciated; and that means getting together to celebrate the Holidays as well as saying goodbye to one year and greeting in the new one. And, of course, that means traveling. And traveling over the Holidays can be trying as the weather may not be cooperative. So here are a few reminders to make sure we all arrive at our destinations safe and sound.    

Quite frankly, severe weather can be dangerous. Motorists should know how to deal with winter road emergencies. Thus, motorists need to be cautious while driving in adverse weather.

Here are a few tips for driving in winter weather:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• 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 weather as the emergency brake cable can become frozen and fail to release.
• 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 100% of the time!

And for driving long-distances:

• 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 before taking long trips.
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and have emergency contact numbers programed.
• Keep 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.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running. A potentially fatal mistake!
• 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.

And when driving during heavy snow conditions:  

• 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.
• 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 downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop when 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.
• And of course, if you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Maintaining your battery (and therefore having it checked prior to taking a long trip) is most important as this is the heart of your car’s electrical system. This includes checking your car’s alternator or generator, voltage regulator, and drive belts. And of course, have your ignition system checked, as wires, or a cracked distributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting difficult or cause a sudden vehicle breakdown.

And don’t forget about your brakes! Having them checked before a long trip is critical due to situations where you must make a sudden stop or slow down due to changing road conditions is important. And tires: The amount of traction between tires and the road surface determines how well a vehicle accelerates, turns and stops. This means checking tires to see they are properly inflated (read your vehicle manual!), as well as checking to ensure you have the right tires for the climate you anticipate to be driving. Remember, some location may require snow tires or chains so make sure you are prepared as local authorities may not allow you drive on certain roads without these devices.

These are only the essentials. As such, other items should be checked. There are lots of websites that have tons of information that can help you to be are ready for Holiday Driving.  SAFE TRAVELS!

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!

Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss)