Winter weather driving tips
Old man winter and his by-products of cold, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice have arrived in the Tri-state. Winter is probably the most difficult driving season for this area. Not only do you have snow, ice, and the other elements to deal with, but there are fewer hours of daylight as well. Winter driving can be inconvenient, annoying, tiring, even infuriating, and sometimes hazardous, but with proper preparation you can offset those aggravations and minimize the risks of winter driving.
Therefore, I offer the following winter travel tips.
Important sources of information
As a student, faculty or staff member, it is important to know where you can obtain up-to-date information on the University and related weather conditions. These sources include signing up for the University’s RAVE text messaging system to receive important information on class delays or school closings. You may also check your USI email account and the USI web page; call the University’s emergency telephone hotline: 812/ 465-1085, the Security Office: 812/464-1845; and check the local media.
Driving on snow and ice
Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not drive or make unnecessary trips in winter storms. If you must, make sure your vehicle is clear of ice and snow. Clean the windows, all lights, and windshields of snow and ice. Travel in daylight. Good vision is a key to good driving.
Allow additional time to get to your destination. Be extra alert when traveling. Match your vehicle’s speed to the road, weather conditions, and other traffic. Plan the stopping of your vehicle and keep more distance between cars. When taking off from a stopped position, do not hastily accelerate the vehicle because the tires will normally just spin and not get any traction. When stopping, do not jam on the brake because it will likely cause the car to slide. Brake gently. If possible, avoid hilly terrain. Remember snow drifts may hide obstacles or hazards. Stay on main roads. Avoid back road shortcuts. Use the designated snow routes since they will be given priority for snow or ice removal. If your vehicle has four wheel drive, use it.
Car preparation
Install good tires. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions in the Tri-state. Make sure the tires have adequate tread and proper inflation. Maintain at least half of a tank of gasoline.
Have the following items on your vehicle checked: antifreeze level, battery and ignition system, brakes, exhaust system, fuel and air filters, heater and defrost, lights and flashing hazard lights, oil, thermostat, and windshield wiper equipment.
Carry in your car a winter emergency kit consisting of the following items: a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snacks or quick energy food, matches, extra hats, sock, and mittens, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blanket(s), tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, and fluorescent distress flag or brightly colored cloth.
Trip preparation
Plan trips carefully. Check the weather conditions prior to leaving. Listen to media reports or call law enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions. Let someone know your travel plans, such as destination, route, and when you expect to arrive. If possible, don’t travel alone. If you have a cell phone or two-way radio, keep your battery charged and keep it with you while traveling.
If your vehicle becomes stuck
If you can, pull off the highway on to the shoulder. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag or brightly colored cloth from the radio antenna or window. Remain with your vehicle where rescuers are mostly likely to find you. Use your cell phone or two-way radio to call for assistance. Run the heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car and open a downward window slightly to let in fresh air. Turn the overhead light on at night when running the vehicle so that you can be seen. As you sit, exercise by moving your hands and feet to keep blood circulating and to stay warm. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration and eat snacks for energy. Be careful not to waste battery power such as operating the car radio, lights, and heater except when absolutely necessary.
Confidence
Prior to the arrival of winter weather, I believe most people, students and non-students, prepare minimally or at least take some steps for winter weather driving. Typically, it’s not until after the first winter storm arrives that people realize what few preparations have been made. Most young drivers tend to be overconfident when driving in winter weather conditions. I think this happens because they have not yet experienced operating a vehicle in winter weather conditions, have not had a traffic accident, and believe that they are invincible and nothing is going to happen to them.
The majority of these tips are not exclusive for winter driving conditions, but can be utilized for everyday traveling.
POST CONTRIBUTED BY: STEPHEN WOODALL, director of Security.