During the winter, when regions get hit with snow and ice, the more northern areas are typically more prepared to deal with these situations. Working in cold temperatures can be dangerous but so can driving to work! When the roads are hazardous and you must drive on them, you should have a cellphone and emergency items in your vehicle. In addition to having an emergency toolkit, you should give yourself adequate time and space on the road.
According to OSHA, the three ”P”s of Safe Winter Driving are PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself, and PREVENT crashes on the road.
PREPARE for the Trip
Car maintenance includes regular oil changes, making sure your battery is working well (most last about 4 years), making sure your windshield wiper fluid is full, and checking your antifreeze. Most auto stores will check your battery for free but might only be able to replace the battery in older models.
Besides a cell phone, a vehicle emergency kit should have the following items:
- Windshield ice scraper;
- Snow brush;
- Flashlight with extra batteries;
- Shovel;
- Ice scraper;
- Tow chain;
- Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter);
- Emergency flares;
- Jumper cables;
- Snacks;
- Water;
- Road maps; and
- Blankets, change of clothes.
PREVENT Crashes
Traffic moves a lot slower during a winter storm or extreme weather conditions. Even when roads have been cleared, there still may be slick spots or back roads or hills that may prove challenging.
Plan for stopped traffic and stranded vehicles when driving in snow/ice. Also, anticipate long lines or “log jams” of backed up vehicles when getting on and off exits. Give yourself ample space to stop abruptly if needed. Rear ending people happens for many reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, and unexpectedly stopped vehicles.
During a winter storm—whether snow, ice, sleet, or freezing rain—there are many factors that compound to create more dangerous conditions for driving. These include existing crashes, car malfunctions, poor windshield visibility from salt/de-icer on the roads, cold brake pads that render brakes less effective, and patches of black ice/slippery surfaces.
Police officers are on the lookout for drivers that driver “too fast for conditions,” even in just rain, so slow down. CDL drivers can get pulled over for touching their phone or device (and may lose their operator license), and in many states, non-commercial drivers can also be fined and/or ticketed.
PROTECT Yourself
Maintain your vehicle: If your battery is 4 years old or more, or if your car has needed a jump, definitely check and replace the battery around that time. Make sure your car’s windshield wiper fluid is full. You need to use it to clear off road dust from salt and de-icer from your windshield.
Top off your gas tank even before you need to. Don’t risk driving on “fumes” and having to walk to get a gas can/gas. Lastly, when you head out in inclement weather, be extra cautious on the road and have adequate clothing in case the unexpected happens.
If your vehicle has 4WD, make sure it is engaged. If your car has all-wheel drive, that is better on slippery or snowy surfaces than just front wheel drive.
THINK TWICE…IN THE SNOW AND ICE!
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