Driving Safety in Winter!

Winter blues have already started spreading over with the freezing breeze all over. During such wintry climate you better stay alert, slow down and stay in control while driving.

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle and yourself for the winters and being aware of due course of action to react are the keys to safe winter driving.

When the winters are back, there are certain pre-requisites to be kept in mind to set out the new term “Winter Road Safety”. Similar to the driving tips, laws; this constitutes the safety measures adopted to cope with snow or icy driving conditions.

Intra vehicular requirements

These make up the things to be carried along with you while driving in winter season

These essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded. The recommended items include

• Pocket knife
• Necessary medications – first aid kit
• Ice scraper/snowbrush
• Sand or other traction aid
• Tow rope or chain
• Booster cables
• Small shovel
• Set of tire chains or traction mats
• Sleeping bags
• Extra newspapers for insulation
• Plastic bags (for sanitation)
• Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap, footwear
• Rain gear and extra clothes & blankets
• Canned fruit and nuts
• Bottled water
• Gas line antifreeze
• Flashlight and batteries
• Road flares or warning lights
• Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
• Fire extinguisher
• Small tool kit - pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Candle and Matches

Personal care

This section outlines on some of the simple survival cues to remember in winter drives. Though not set forth by DMV, these have been prescribed by the physicians as well experienced drivers.

• Make sure you rest well before getting in the car.

• Avoid fatigue while driving. Take a break for every three hours and stretch your body during long trips.

• Exercise a little to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Maintain circulation by moving your feet, hands and arms.

• Watch out for signs of hypothermia - Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

• Dress warmly and huddle together for warmth generation.

• Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.

• Try not to position yourself too long at one place. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. Rotating drivers helps to reduce fatigue on long trips.

• Plan long trips carefully.

• Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.

Extra vehicular requirements

Prelim maintenance check upon

Battery, belts and hoses, anti-freezer, radiator, oil, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers, thermo stat, ignition system, heaters, brakes, defroster Winter Tires

Install good winter tires and the condition of your vehicle’s tires is vital. Worn and damaged tires pose a serious problem to driving safety. In some places, it is a driving law by DMV that requires vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs to drive on their roads. Remember to check tire air pressure as it tends to decrease in colder weather.

Clean & clear

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof.

Fuel care

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter and keep your gas tank full. Make sure you have adequate windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it is rated in the -40°C temperature range.

Hit the road

Keep the following driving tips as rules of thumb to ensure driving safety

• See and to be seen is the 1st policy – adequate visibility is a must and there is no compromise or substitute for this.

• Doubled Two second rule – leave sufficient spacing and in winter, especially when the weather is worse, double the seconds of gap maintained between your vehicle and the vehicles ahead.

• Skid control - Roads are generally very slippery in winters and its very important to have a complete control of your vehicle at time of skidding. Have your braking system totally tuned up. In fact, you can manage these easily if are aware of defensive driving. Especially the one with truck driving abilities, add on these defensive strategies for driving safety.

• Snow & Ice – watch out for these real problems in Winter, the snowy roads and the ice blocks. These hamper the ways and may stake lives too. Anticipate carefully before your hit the road. Determine the status of climate and the highways through news channels, papers & portals that provide driving safety news

Catastrophes

At times of getting stranded in between the loafs of ice or any other situation, you need to

• Draw attention to your vehicle. Use emergency flashers, flares or a Call Police sign.

• If you carry a cell phone or are stuck in a place with phone service, call for help.

• If it is snowing hard, it is better to stay with in your car! You may get confused in the storm and may not be able to get back to your car.

• Be careful, if you try to free up your vehicle from snow. Dress warmly, shovel slowly and do not overexert yourself.

Prior to all these, it is very essential not to get panicky of the situation else might land up no where. So guys! Take a chill pill and enjoy the ride with caution.