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Tips for Winter Weather Driving

December 1, 2006

David Kolman

Winter is the most difficult driving season. Not only are there colder temperatures, there also are fewer hours of daylight. Add winter weather such as snow, sleet and/or freezing rain — all of which limit visibility — and driving becomes even more challenging. Compounding the situation are a dirty windshield and worn wiper blades, which further reduce the range of view.

There are, nevertheless, effective measures that can be taken to minimize the risks, say safety professionals. These center on extra alertness, awareness of road and weather conditions and an adjustment in driving techniques.

First and foremost, the professionals note, is the importance of driving appropriately for conditions, particularly in unfamiliar areas and on curves and turns. As you might expect, driving too fast for conditions is the leading cause of winter driving accidents.

They further advise checking on road and weather conditions before planning a trip and beginning driving. It is a good idea to allow for extra traveling time, they add.

Be extra cautious during the first few minutes of snow or rain because roadways get slippery when precipitation mixes with oil, grease and dirt, warn safety professionals. Wet leaves can be especially slippery and hazardous, as well.

Additional winter driving tips:

AT THE WHEEL

• Avoid distracting activities such as using a cell phone — even if you use a headset.

• Drive defensively. Be at the ready to take evasive action to safely deal with other drivers’ mistakes.

• Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires a driver to be in full control at all times.

• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by vehicles ahead will alert you to problems faster, giving you extra time to react safely.

• Increase following distance between you and the vehicle ahead. It takes three to 12 times more stopping distance on ice and snow. The heavier the vehicle, the greater the stopping distance. What’s more, by increasing your following distance you help reduce visibility problems from spraying snow and ice.

• Signal your turns well in advance to give other drivers increased warning.

MANEUVERS

• Start slowing down well before a stop. Gearing down assists in decelerating gradually.

• Braking on snow and ice is never easy, but as the temperature rises, snow and ice become even more slippery. Check the feel of the road when you start out and at regular intervals.

• Accelerate slowly and easily, and refrain from sudden or jerky movements to avoid loss of traction and subsequent loss of control.

• Use extra caution when approaching curves and hills, before making turns and when driving from a well-traveled highway to a less-traveled highway.

• Reduce speed when approaching intersections covered with ice or snow.

• Be very careful when approaching shaded areas, bridges and overpasses, as ice forms on them much sooner than on the roadway.

• Be on the lookout for “black ice,” a condition in which ice forms on a roadway when temperatures are near or below freezing. Nearly invisible, black ice can cause a vehicle to lose traction suddenly. An indication of black ice is a road surface that appears black and shiny.

• Watch mirror faces and antenna for ice buildup. When these become ice-coated, the road surface will usually soon follow.

LIGHTS

• Use your vehicle’s low-beam headlights. High beams reflect rain, sleet and falling snow and can actually make it more difficult to see clearly.

• Use “fog lights” in any weather conditions that restrict your visibility.

• Be certain all your lights work and keep them clean so as to better see and be seen.

• Make sure headlights are properly aimed. Misaligned headlights can reduce your visibility and blind other drivers.

WINDOWS & WIPERS

• Keep the windshield and windows clean — inside and out. A dirty windshield magnifies glare from approaching headlights.

• Keep windshield wiper blades in good working condition. Inspect them frequently. When worn or damaged, wipers blades not only impair visibility, they can damage the windshield.

• Do not use windshield wipers to try and clear ice and snow after a vehicle has been sitting for a period of time. The wiper system was never intended to be an ice scraper. Using it as such could damage its components.

• Keep the windshield washer reservoir full with washer fluid. Use washer fluids that have anti-freeze and cleaning properties. It’s wise to carry at least one spare bottle of washer fluid on board.

David Kolman is a veteran truck communicator, keynote speaker and long-haul trucker. Commissioned as an Honorary Colonel on the Kentucky governor’s staff for his work promoting traffic safety, he actively participates in trade associations and reports news and information about the trucking industry for broadcasting and print media.

Know your winter weather

Winter storms can often cause severe travel problems. Always check weather conditions for your travel route and time of day before you begin driving, recommend safety professionals. Stay abreast of weather and road condition reports by listening to the radio, monitoring weather channels and checking with others who have come from your direction of travel.

Understanding winter weather terms can help you plan accordingly. Listed below are some commonly used terms:

Winter Storm Watch — A long range prediction issued when conditions are favorable for hazardous winter weather, such as heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain. A watch usually is issued at least 24 to 36 hours in advance.

Winter Storm Warning — A warning is issued when a dangerous combination of heavy snow with sleet and/or freezing rain has a high probability of occurring within 6 to 12 hours.

Winter Weather Advisory — An advisory is issued when lesser accumulations of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain are expected to cause only an inconvenience.

Snow Advisory — A snow advisory is issued when accumulations of 3 inches of snow or less are anticipated.

Sleet Warning — A sleet warning is issued when sleet accumulations of less than half an inch are expected.

Wind Chill Warning — A warning that is issued when cold temperatures with wind are life threatening.

Wind Chill Advisory — An advisory that is issued when life-threatening cold temperatures with wind are expected.