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Driving during
a snow laden winter can take your breath away. However,
the season's beauty comes with equal peril. The elements
that create stunning winter landscapes also bring driving
nightmares. Driving safely during the months that include
snow, blinding storms, ice and slush takes preparation
and the proper mind-set. What considerations do drivers
need to make during the coldest of seasons? Well, there
are several areas that really need your attention. In
part one we'll discuss preparing your car and getting
equipped for handling emergencies.
Preparing Your Car Cold weather
makes it necessary to make sure that your vehicle is
ready to stand up to its rigors. A stalled car may be
an irritating inconvenience in warm or moderate weather.
However, the same circumstance could literally endanger
a driver's life when it occurs in a winter storm or
during extremely low temperatures. Your goal should
be to minimize the chances of a vehicle breakdown by
having a qualified mechanic inspect the following:
* Wipers
* Tires (tread wear, alignment, and traction by maintaining
air pressure)
* Brakes
* Radiator and coolant system
* Transmission
* All fluid levels
* Hoses, clamps and belts
It is important that once checked (and any deficiencies
corrected), a car owner be sure to periodically certify
that these items remain in good order. This is especially
crucial prior to long trips.
Preparation For Emergencies
Wintertime driving calls for drivers to be ready to
deal with the hurdles represented by weather conditions
and the likelihood of being stranded. Car owners should
consider having the following items available to deal
with routine and emergency winter driving situations:
* ice scraper
* first aid kit
* snow brush and small shovel
* heavy blankets
* flares
* flashlight
* matches
* metal cup or small container (in order to melt snow
for drinking water)
* small or basic tool kit
* bag of cat litter or sand
* candles
* salt
* extra clothing (coat, boots, gloves)
* jumper cables and drive belts
* extra gallon of antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid
* extra quart or two of motor oil
* car phone, cell phone or citizen's band radio
* non-perishable food
* a dry support for a car jack such as small, sturdy
wooden board
It is also helpful to keep plenty of fuel in your car
or truck's gas tank to avoid running out during weather
related snags in traffic or if you must pull off the
road.
PT 2
In this part, let's talk about making long trips, skidding,
actions to take when you're stranded and driving in
the right frame of mind.
Preparation For Long Trips
Long distance trips by car or truck can be dangerous
during the winter, so here are some suggestions for
minimizing the chance of the trip becoming a tragedy:
* find out about expected weather conditions at locations
along your route
* tune into local stations for information on road conditions
* give persons on either end of your trip a travel itinerary
including planned departure and arrival times and call
these persons to let them know of your safe arrival
* stop frequently for resting and re-fueling
* travel as much as possible in daylight
* be familiar with your route, carry recent maps and
prepare alternate routes
* be prepared for travel delays and be willing to pull
over on the road or to stop at road shelters to wait
out poor driving conditions
What To Do If You're Stranded
* pull your car over as far off the road as possible
to avoid being hit
* put on any additional clothing to keep warn
* use phone or radio to call for help
* it is better to stay with the car and run the engine
periodically, not continuously
* conserve your energy; over-exertion by trying to move
your vehicle or shoveling too long endangers your health
* melt snow for drinking water
* move your arms and legs to improve your circulation
and to keep warmer
* before leaving your vehicle, consider the outside
temperature. A person can freeze very quickly, especially
if there is much wind
* If you are stranded in an area where there is regular
traffic, put on your flashers or raise your car's hood
to attract help
What to do if you start to skid
Above all, try not to panic. Abrupt or wild steering
or braking will make things more dangerous. Skids occur
when the car's speed overcomes tire traction. If you
do not have anti-lock brakes, gently pump your brakes
until the car slows and traction (ability to steer)
is regained. If you DO have anti-lock brakes, apply
steady pressure until control is regained. If you are
able, try to steer your car in the same direction in
which you're skidding. In other words, if you're skidding
to the right, turn your STEERING WHEEL (not your tires)
to the right. This action should counteract the skidding.
Drive With A Winter Frame Of Mind
Winter driving often becomes frustrating due to having
warm weather driving habits, expectations and behaviors.
Cold weather driving becomes easier when you're realistic.
Winter travel takes more patience, care and planning.
A 30 minute drive during clear, sunny and dry conditions
is no longer possible under snowy, slick or icy conditions.
Minimize your frustration and increase your chances
for safe travel by doing the following:
* allow more distance between you and the car ahead
of you as safe braking distances are MUCH longer on
slick roads
* slow down
* watch for icy conditions, especially on bridges and
overpasses
* keep your headlights on so that your car is more visible
to other drivers
* don't start driving until your windows are clear of
frost, snow, etc.
* clear snow and ice from your vehicle's lights
* leave for destinations earlier, expecting that travel
will take significantly longer
* drive with a higher level of awareness of traffic
and road conditions
* clear snow from the top of your car so that it doesn't
later obscure the view of other drivers
* use caution when approaching intersections
* avoid sudden braking, turning, accelerating and lane
changes
* make it a habit to wash your car, including the underside,
regularly to remove harsh chemicals and salts which
are corrosive
Winter often does provide a beautiful backdrop in which
to drive, but it helps if you're patient, cautious,
realistic and prepared.
COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus,
Inc. 1999
All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether
in whole or in part, in any form of media or language;
and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly
forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing
Plus, Inc.
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