 As all Hoosiers know, winter usually brings hazardous driving conditions such as snow, wind and ice. Preparation for the winter driving season can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. Keep you and your family safe this winter by following these winter driving safety tips.
Inspect your vehicle
- Inspect the wiper blades, they should be replaced every six months. Check your windshield washer fluid level and top it off if necessary. Tires should be inspected for wear and to be sure they are properly inflated. All lights and signals on the vehicle should be operational.
- Make sure all working parts on your vehicle’s door are properly lubricated. Frozen door locks can be overcome by using commercially available lock de-icers, never use hot water. Other methods to open frozen locks include aiming a hair dryer at the frozen lock or carefully heating the key with a lighter or match.
Prepare
Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid driving in ice or snowy conditions. However, if you have to drive, try not to travel alone and take the following precautions.
- Carry a winter storm survival kit consisting of:
Blankets/sleeping bags; flashlight with extra batteries; first-aid kit; knife; high-calorie, non-perishable food; extra clothing to keep dry; a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes; a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water; bag of sand (or cat litter); shovel; windshield scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope; jumper cables; water container; compass and road maps.
- Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
- Buckle up and use child safety seats properly.
- Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag.
- Sit at least ten inches from an air bag.
- Clear all windows and lights of snow and ice before starting on your trip.
Drive Cautiously
- Slow down and increase distances between cars.
- Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours, and rotate drivers if possible.
- Break and steer gently and gradually.
- Steer into a skid.
- Don’t be a distracted driver. Pull over to use a cellular phone.
- Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving.
- Do not use the cruise control on ice or in snowy conditions.
- Try not to break or accelerate on bridges (bridges usually freeze first).
- Be extremely cautious at stop lights or stop signs - they may be slicker than other road surfaces.
- Test braking on a side street with no cars or pedestrians to see what road conditions are like.
- Use proper headlights and make sure that they are clear of ice and snow.
- Pull off the road if necessary.
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