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Winter Driving and
Travel Safety Tips
 The winter driving season
is here. It is
amazing how many of us quickly forget our winter driving skills. For
example, we all should know that you cannot stop as fast on an icy
or snow-covered road as you can on dry pavement, and that often the
most slippery surfaces do not appear hazardous, like on bridges,
overpasses, and underpasses. And don't be overly confident if your
vehicle has anti-lock brakes; there is no substitute for using
caution when traveling on slippery roads.
Many people get into trouble by assuming the roads will not be
slippery unless the temperature is freezing or below. Ice can form
on road surfaces, however, anytime the air temperature drops to 40
degrees or less, especially when it is windy. Bridges and
underpasses can be especially hazardous, but these are not the only
locations "black ice" can form. Any low or shaded area, area
surrounded by landscape, or area that has a source of water running
over the pavement can also be quick to form ice. Early morning hours
are especially dangerous as the moisture has had an opportunity to
sit on the cold pavement and freeze.
Others find themselves in trouble during the winter while driving on
roads seemingly clear or only slightly wet, and then try to stop at
an intersection only to discover that it is ice-covered and
slippery. This is caused by moisture emitted from the exhaust of
cars waiting at a busy intersection and quickly freezing on the
pavement. Always approach intersections cautiously.
 If you find yourself beginning to slide on snow or ice, DON'T PANIC.
Take your foot off the gas and DO NOT hit the brakes. Steer the
front of your vehicle into the skid (the same direction you are
sliding). This technique is used in both front- and rear-wheel-drive
vehicles. If you must use the brakes, do not allow them to lock up;
gently pump the brake pedal, unless your car is equipped with
anti-lock brakes. If your car has anti-lock brakes, use a firm,
steady pressure WITHOUT pumping. The grinding noise you hear and the
surging you feel in the pedal is normal and indicates the brakes are
working properly, allowing you to continue to steer and control the
vehicle. And for 4-wheel-drive owners, always remember that a
4-wheel-drive vehicle provides additional traction that is useful
for going through deep snow, but it does not stop any faster.
Some other basic safety tips for winter driving include allowing
extra time to arrive at your destination. Slow down and be alert for
other vehicles around you that may lose control, and allow at least
4 seconds between vehicles. It is also recommend that you allow no
less than a car-length in front of you when you are stopped behind
another vehicle at a slippery intersection, and then watch your
rear-view mirror for cars that may approach you too fast from
behind. Often this extra margin of safety will allow you to pull
forward in the event that an approaching vehicle begins to slide.
Just as important as good driving skills, however, are some
commonsense issues that could save your life in the event you become
broken down or stranded. A good place to start is with some
"preventive maintenance." Make sure your car is in good mechanical
condition. Temperature extremes always bring out the worst in your
car, like dead batteries, soft tires, gasoline freeze, and
carburetor and heating problems. Make sure that your antifreeze is
at the proper level and that your wiper blades are new and your washer reservoir is full.
Prepare an emergency kit for your car. Include things that prepare
you for the unexpected -- what would you need if you found yourself
stranded miles from help during a snow storm? Include things like
warm clothing, boots, stocking cap, gloves or mittens, flashlight
with fresh batteries, flares, small shovel, sand or kitty litter,
blankets, and fresh first-aid supplies. You may also want to include
candy bars or other nutritious snacks, as well as a supply of small
candles and matches to light them with. A single lit candle in your
vehicle can provide warmth that will help you survive for many
hours, and with precautions is much safer than letting the engine run.
During inclement weather let people know where you are going, your
route of travel, and when you expect to arrive. Cell phones are a
great safety insurance against breakdowns and getting stranded --
but may do little good if you don't know where you are! Stay alert
and know precisely where you are at all times in the event you need
to call for help. Watch for road signs and landmarks.
Winter roadway conditions can be checked by calling the Michigan
State Police Winter Travel Hotline at 1-800-381-8477 or the AAA Snow
Report at 1-800-644-7669. Winter travel conditions can also be found
on the web by going to www.michigan.gov/msp and clicking the link
for MSP News and Events and then clicking the link for Roads and
Weather. The winter road condition web site is maintained from late
November through March 30 each year.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Never Drink and Drive
Always Wear Your Seat Belts
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