Winter Weather Driving

With Old Man Winter on the way driving will become treacherous. The number one cause of accidents when driving in wintery conditions is people driving at a high rate of speed. Even though you may be driving at the posted speed limit, you may be driving in violation of the law. Most states have what they call a ” Basic Speed Law. ” This law means you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. An example of this would be if you are driving 45 mph in a 55 mph speed zone during a snowstorm, or dense fog, you still may be cited for driving “too fast for conditions.” So when conditions get bad, slow way down and your chances of staying out of the ditch will decrease and there will be no reason for Smokey Bear to pull you over and give you a citation .

 

Here are some basic tips to remember:

 

1. Before starting off:

You want to make sure you are driving a well maintained vehicle.

Fill all windshield washer fluids front and rear with non-freezing washer solution. Clear off the snow and ice from your windows.

Replace windshield wipers if more than one year old.

Check tire pressure and oil, and for gods sakes make sure you have plenty of fuel to get you where you are going. You never know when there may be an accident and you may be 

idle for a long period of time.

Keep blankets, food, and water in the car in case you do end up in the ditch. It may be a while before help arrives.

Every automobile should be equipped with an emergency road kit. 

Keep a good pair of sunglasses handy, they will help your vision. The sun when reflecting off the snow can be very bright and sometimes blinding to the eyes.

Carry those chains at all times, that’s a must.

 

2. Next when driving:

Slow down, slow down and slow down!!

Avoid sudden stops, and actions. And keep your accelerations smooth.

Keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you. And remember give trucks their room, they require a longer distance to stop.

Always be ready to correct in case you start to slide.

And don’t let 4 wheel drive give you a false sense of security. Don’t think for a second you won’t end up in a ditch just because you have all wheel drive.

   

3. And a special tip for you distance movers

When dead heading or traveling with a light load, on an icy road, a strong gust of wind could put you right in a ditch too.

I have seen it with my own eyes, so keep that in mind, please.

 

Take extra care and time and you will get to your destination safely.

 

HAVE A GREAT WINTER!

    

jp