Love it or hate it winter is here.
Its no secret that driving in the winter can be an absolute nightmare, and it seems every year motorists have to relearn what it takes to remain prepared and safe on the road.
The truth is, traveling in snow, ice, fog or soaking rain can be a major challenge for even the most experienced motorists. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are approximately 1.2 million weather-related vehicle crashes every year leading to, on average, nearly 6,000 fatalities and over 445,000 injuries. Its clear we could all use a little refresher when it comes to navigating those slick roads this winter.
Before you go tips
- Ready your vehicle. Check your vehicles battery, wipers, coolant, tires and other systems that are most affected when the temperature drops. Make sure your tires have good tread. When you know your vehicle is ready for the road, clear your car of snow, ice or dirt from the windows, forward sensors, headlights, taillights and backup camera.
- Stock your vehicle with a winter supply kit that includes: Mobile phone and a charger, batteries, blankets, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, high-calorie non-perishable food, small can with waterproof matches and candle to melt snow for drinking water, sack of sand or cat litter for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, and battery booster cables.
- Get the weather forecast and check road conditions. Your drive will be much safer if you know whats ahead. Change your plans if travel is hazardous.
While on the road tips
- Stay alert. Make sure you keep your gas tank over half full and keep a close eye on road conditions, which can change rapidly. On road trips, take breaks often so you can stay focused on the road.
- Drive slower than normal and leave more room between you and surrounding vehicles. Do not use cruise control, brake quickly or make sharp turns. You need to change how you normally drive.
- Dont crowd the plow. The road behind an active plow is safer to drive on. Give them plenty of room to work and only pass when it is safe to do so.
Tips to protect you and your loved ones
- Accidents happen. Always wear your seat belt and ensure everyone in your vehicle does the same. Make sure young children are in car seats.
- If youre involved in an accident, try to pull your vehicle off the road and use hazard lights, flares, reflectors or flashlights to warn other drivers. Stay off the road, dial 911, and wait for the police to arrive.
- Drive smart. Dont text or make phone calls, speed, or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These activities are always dangerous, but the risk is much higher in winter weather.
Bridges freeze first
Youve probably seen road signs advising that bridges freeze before roads, but do you know why? Having open air underneath the bridge means the cold air surrounds the bridge both above and below. If theres even the chance that a bridge might be frozen, slow down! And do it before you cross the bridge changing speed on ice is dangerous.
Freezing rain
Checking to see if you are still with me, I will tell you about an event that happened to me one winter.
One day my wife and I were heading to the Offutt Air Force Base outside of Omaha, Nebraska. The temperature was 32 degrees as we left Brookings. Just past the Interstate 29 rest area at Exit 121, it started to rain. I looked at my thermometer in my vehicle and it read 29 degrees. I thought to myself, “Rain and 29 degrees do not mix very well,” and at that moment I started to fishtail. I was able to put the vehicle in neutral and get it straightened out, but it put the fear of God in me, and I slowed down. Thank goodness no one was tailgating me at the time.
Compared to a typical snowstorm, freezing rain is much more hazardous especially on the road. While both are dangerous, its far easier to lose control of your vehicle on icy pavement, not to mention the increased risk of falling branches and power lines. Bottom line: Use extreme caution if there is, or recently was, freezing rain.
Black ice
When recent rain or snowmelt comes into contact with freezing temperatures, black ice can form and you might not even see it. While black ice is more prevalent at night, it can often stick around for the morning commute. Use caution when driving … dont let black ice sneak up on you.
Snow squalls and WEAs
Snow squalls are short intense bursts of snow and wind with whiteout visibility that are extremely dangerous, especially while on the road. The National Weather Service helps you be ready by issuing snow squall warnings that can trigger a wireless emergency alert on your phone. If you receive one, know that a snow squall is occurring or imminent and slow down or delay travel.
They can reduce visibility and cause dangerous travel conditions. If possible, avoid or delay travel until the squall passes. If youre caught in one, slow down, turn on your headlights and hazard lights, and try to exit the road. Dont let snow squalls sneak up on you!
Sun glare
Even on a nice winter day, the low sun angle can make driving hazardous. Freshly fallen snow can add more glare to your drive. Have a pair of sunglasses on hand, slow down, and leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Dont let sun glare sneak up on you!
As always, keep an eye on the sky.
Bob the EM.
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