These vital safety tips help drivers prepare themselves for winter:
Deciding to drive:
- If possible, try to avoid driving in winter storms.
- Postpone trips or take public transportation.
Visibility:
- Always travel during daylight and, if possible, travel with at least one other person.
- Clear snow and ice off the headlights, tail lights, mirrors and license plates. Stop the car when necessary to keep the windows clear.
- Turn on your lights to see and be seen. Turn on your low-beam headlights or fog lights whenever fog, rain or snow reduces visibility. High beams increase the glare and reduce visibility.
- Clear snow and ice off the headlights, tail lights, mirrors and license plates.
- Stop the car when necessary to keep the windows clear.
Choosing a road:
- Drive on interstates or one-way roads whenever possible. Head-on collisions are among the greatest killers on wet roads.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces – use caution.
Speed:
- Slow down.
- Drive well below the posted speed limit and avoid the use of cruise control when snow, ice, freezing rain or sleet is on the pavement. The posted speed limits are intended for normal pavement conditions.
- Accelerate slowly to avoid loss of traction and subsequent loss of control.
- Remember – "Smooth and slow on ice and snow."
Awareness:
- Driving in winter conditions causes rapid mental and physical fatigue and reduces reaction times.
- Never drink and drive.
- Anticipate actions of other drivers and drive defensively.
- Beware of "black ice" when the roadway appears dry but the color of the pavement is darker and dull looking.
Moving:
- Make sure all movements are controlled and deliberate.
- Move in a manner that will allow others to adjust to your actions.
- Use greater following distances. Stopping distances on roads with ice and snow can triple over distances under normal conditions. Double or triple the 2-second count rule to create a safety buffer zone behind the vehicle in front of yours.
- Pass with care: passing lanes are not as well maintained as driving lanes.
Sliding:
- Brake and steer gently and deliberately. Brake carefully with short rapid application of the brakes. Don't slam on the brakes. The wheels could lock, causing your car to slide.
- If your car starts to slide, turn your wheels in the direction it is sliding to straighten it out.
References:
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Take precautions to keep yourself safe while driving
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