Winter Driving Safety

35,000 people died each year from auto accidents over the past decade.

Of the top seven automobile accident causes, situations related to snow, ice, and wet roads rank fifth.

Keep tires properly inflated, windshield de-icer full, and the vehicle in good operating condition. Pack emergency blankets, gloves, clothing, water, and medication if needed.

Key Practices

• Start by watching weather reports and plan accordingly for earlier start times and routes. For long distance drives, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
  
• Never warm a vehicle up in an enclosed area, like a garage, where carbon monoxide can build.
  
• See and be seen. Keep windows, head lights and brake lights clear before starting each trip.
  
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up and for traffic delays.

Key Facts

• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle to make it easier for others to locate you. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, ice or mud.
• Watch for slowing traffic, snow plows, or vehicles off the road. Decelerate slowly and avoid hard braking or sudden steering.
• Adjust speed without hard braking, or keep moving under control instead of coming to a full stop or accelerating too much.
• Increase your margin of safety. It takes longer to slow down on icy roads so increase following distance to eight to 10 seconds.