| With ice, sleet, snow, and poor visibility, | | | | flares, warm clothing, flashlight, extra batteries, |
| maneuvering a car in the wintertime can pose a | | | | water, and a first-aid kit. |
| mighty dilemma for many, as driving conditions | | | | Knowing the current road conditions also helps |
| only worsen with drastic weather changes. In | | | | prevent disasters on the road. This is often |
| order to increase the safety of you and your | | | | accomplished by calling your local weather 411 |
| passengers, it is important to both appropriately | | | | service, viewing weather and traffic information |
| prepare your car for the winter, as well as follow | | | | on the Internet, checking the local news for |
| a few driving safety tips. | | | | weather advisories and traffic reports, and paying |
| Preparing Your Car | | | | attention to flashing electronic highway signs. |
| When a car is in top operating condition, it will not | | | | On the Road |
| only enhance the safety conditions for drivers and | | | | In addition to maintaining the safety level of your |
| passengers, but also help people save on gas. One | | | | vehicle, you must also pay extra attention to the |
| of the first things you should do is familiarize | | | | way you drive in the wintertime. This means |
| yourself with the ins and outs of your vehicle. It is | | | | staying off of the cell phone and adhering to the |
| important to read the owner's manual and follow | | | | legal speed limit. Additionally, a driver should: |
| proper winterizing suggestions that involve the | | | | 1) Always wear a seatbelt. |
| battery, lights, defroster, heater, motor oil, | | | | 2) Stay alert and drive completely sober. |
| antifreeze, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, | | | | 3) Drive with headlights on. |
| tire pressure, brakes and brake fluid, belt, hoses, | | | | 4) Give ample amount of time to slow down |
| and filters. | | | | when roads are slippery. When roads are icy, it is |
| Before hitting the road during winter travel, you | | | | suggested to delay travel, especially when "black |
| must clear the snow and ice from not only all | | | | ice" is involved. |
| windows and lights, but also the hood and roof of | | | | 5) Do not pass maintenance vehicles or plows on |
| the car. | | | | the right and give them at least 200 feet |
| When driving in the winter, it is suggested to keep | | | | between them and your vehicle. |
| your gas tank above the halfway mark in case | | | | 6) Avoid traveling on bridges during icy conditions. |
| you become delayed or stranded in a snowstorm. | | | | 7) Since trucks take longer to stop than cars, do |
| In the case of an emergency, a cell phone or CB | | | | not cut in front. |
| radio is known as a true lifesaver. During the | | | | 8) Avoid cruise control or overdrive in freezing |
| wintertime, it is recommended to stock your | | | | cold weather. |
| trunk with emergency supplies, including a small | | | | 9) Vehicles with four-wheel drive may get drivers |
| shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, scraper, brush, | | | | going quicker on the road, but does not help them |
| and bag of sand (or kitty litter), which provides | | | | stop any faster. |
| traction for tires. Breakdown kits are also helpful, | | | | 10) Avoid pumping anti-lock brakes - it is much |
| as should contain a blanket, gloves, boots, road | | | | better to "stomp and steer. |