TIPS FROM THE SAFETY SUPERVISOR
Winter Weather Driving
Stay safe this winter by planning ahead and making good choices while traveling. Doing that starts with the Three P’s of Safe Winter Driving: PREPARE for your trip, PROTECT yourself, and PREVENT crashes.
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
- Speed limits are based on normal road conditions so reduce your speed when there is ice or snow.
- Stay at least 200 feet back if you are behind a snow plow.
- Bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first, so use extreme caution.
- Know how to safely maneuver a vehicle if skidding on ice occurs.
- Maintain at least three times the normal following distance when driving on snow and ice.
- Be aware of ‘black ice’ which is a nearly invisible layer of ice that can develop on roads and cause a driver to rapidly lose control. Black ice is especially common at night.
WINTER SAFETY KIT
Keep a safety kit in every car with supplies you might need in the event of an unexpected roadside emergency. Ideas for winter include:
- Snacks and bottled water, medication if needed
- First aid kit and plastic bags (for sanitation)
- Blankets, or other items to keep warm
- Cat litter or sand for icy areas
- Booster cables, tow chain or rope, and flares
- Spare tire and tire jack
- Flashlights, battery-powered radio, batteries
- Windshield scraper and brush
VEHICLE PREPARATION
Be sure your vehicle is ready for winter weather.
- Check your wiper blades. Most blades last between 6 months and a year.
- Use winter windshield washer fluid. It should be rated not to freeze at 0° F. In extreme cold, use fluid with a freeze point between -25° F and -35° F.
- Check your vehicle’s exterior lights/lamps.
- Clear all windows, headlights and taillights of snow and ice.
- Check all your vehicle’s vital fluids (engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and brake fluid).
- Check tire inflation. In cold weather, tire air pressure can drop by 1 psi for every 10 degrees the temperature falls.
- Make sure your tires are suitable for winter travel.
- Make sure your tires have adequate tread.
Jessica Hansen, Safety Supervisor
