Winter Driving Tips

Adapted from AAA by a long-term member

In many parts of the USAs northern tier, we are getting a taste of winter. With this change in weather come drivers who are acting stupid with their asinine driving by:

• Going too fast for conditions.
• Not clearing off ALL their windows.
  • During my thirty-one plus years in law enforcement I have seen people drive with only a peep hole in their windshield. Naturally, this caught my attention, just as it did my fellow officers. Normally, we would ask them to clear their windows off.
• They aren’t leaving enough space between each other to stop and avoid a crash.
• They are not using proper tires. Summer tires don’t give much traction in the snow.
• Some don’t know how to correct a skid. Here are several elementary hints:
  • Don’t drive so fast
  • When a skid starts don’t immediately hit the brakes, doing so makes it harder to recover.
  • If you do start to skid, then look where you want to go and steer in that direction. For example, when your rear end swings out to the right, quickly, but smoothly turn the steering wheel clockwise.
• Have an escape route if something is happening around you.

AAA advises drivers to follow guidance from local authorities during winter weather events and, when possible, stay home even after the storm passes.

Keeping the roads clear of unnecessary traffic will help first responders, including roadside technicians and tow truck providers, do their job safely and efficiently.

Not only are the roads hazardous to be on during winter, but the falling snow also causes lower visibility. Every driver must be alert to the weather and road conditions and drive with safety utmost in their minds.

The following information is basic to driving on the slick snow- and ice-covered roads.

If you must be on the roads, AAA recommends:

• Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing[1], a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
• Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.

Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. The symptoms can include:

• Blurred vision.
  • Confusion.
• • Dizziness.Drowsiness.Headache.Loss of consciousness.Loss of muscle control.Nausea or vomiting.Shortness of breath.
  • Weakness.

Serious risks from CO² poisoning may include

• Loss of memory,
• Changes in personality
• And issues with coordination and other body movement control.

As can be clearly seen Carbon Monoxide poisoning is not to be taken lightly.

• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.

The next part of this series provides pertinent tips for driving in the snow.

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[1] In my case, I have a heavy-duty water-resistant parka, warm, water resistant, gloves, extra pair of water-resistant boots, a warm water resistant beanie cap (Amazon search beanie cap), a space blanket, high calorie snacks, and water. The water is not left in the car but carried on at the start of the trip.