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