Road conditions while driving in the winter can change without warning. Heavy snow can outpace highway snow removal trucks and leave you stranded on the interstate, as witnessed in the latest lake-effect snowstorm causing a state of emergency in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Travelers were stranded for many hours awaiting help.

Tips to help prepare for winter driving:

  • Stay informed on current and upcoming weather conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio is a nation-wide network of radio stations that broadcast weather information
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio
  • Ensure your vehicle is current on maintenance such as:
  • Tire tread and air pressure
  • Have the battery inspected if more than 2-3 years old
  • Check all fluid levels: oil, transmission, anti-freeze/coolant, windshield wipers and fluid, brake fluid
  • Check all lights: headlights, brake, front and back turn signals and hazard lights.
  • Keep a full tank of gas as often as possible
  • Always communicate with family and friends your plans and routes, if traveling in bad weather
  • Keep an emergency kit that includes a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, road flares, first aid kit, ice scraper, small shovel, sand or kitty litter, food, water, etc.
  • Plan your route and leave early
  • Avoid driving if possible

Safe Winter Driving Tips:

  • Practice driving in a wide-open area/parking lot to see how your vehicle responds to braking, turning and skid response
  • Stomp on anti-lock brakes, pump non-anti-lock brakes
  • Know what to do if your vehicle begins to skid out – REMAIN CALM, take feet off of the pedals and steer in the direction you want to go
  • Allow a greater following distance between other vehicles to allow for more stopping distance
  • Try not to slam on the brakes in a skid, it could make you spin out of control
  • Keep a firm two-handed grip on the steering wheel and be prepared to react
  • Do not drive distracted: smoking, eating and cell phone use take your attention from the road
  • Yield to emergency vehicles
  • Keep your cell phone on you and fully charged
  • Fully scrape all snow and ice from windows before driving, use the defrosters
  • Bring an extra day or two supply of necessary medications

What to do if stranded in your vehicle on the road:

  • Display a bright-colored to your antenna, door and or truck
  • When the snow subsides, open hood
  • Call for help, let them know your location
  • Only turn on the vehicles motor for a few minutes every hour to warm up and charge cell phone, crack a window to avoid carbon monoxide
  • Stay in the vehicle until help arrives

ABSOLUTE NEVERS:

  • Never drink and drive!
  • Never let a child ride in a vehicle without a car seat
  • Never take medication that can effect you’re driving
  • Never drive when fatigued or impaired
  • Never Text, call, or use phone. Maintain hands free devices – No text or call is worth you or someone else’s life.

Source: Glenn Dickey, All-Safe Program Manager at AgriSphere Services, LLC, Decatur, IL: gdickey@agrisphere.com – www.agrispheres.com