Winter driving comes with its own hazards along with the usual. With the recent snow falls and recent cancelations, it a good time to review winter driving safety.

Be Prepared:

• Before you leave, check weather forecasts and tells someone the route you’re taking.
• Keep a winter driving kit in your car at all times in case of an emergency, you never know when you might need it. In this kit, include:
  • Blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand or cat litter, a shovel, a candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, a fire aid kit, extra necessary medication, and jumper cables or power pack.
• Must sure your gas tank is at least half way full.

When You Drive:

• Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from the roof and head and tail lights before you leave.
• Drive slow. This is the most important and easiest thing you can do to stay safe. Leave early to get where it is your going and give yourself ample amount of time.
• Avoid abrupt stops and starts; slow down gradually and keep wheels turning to prevent losing traction.
• When on ice or snow, reframe from using cruise control.
• Distance: give yourself plenty, it takes extra time and extra distance to stop on snow and ice and the faster you’re going, the more distance needed.
• Be aware of your surroundings and visibility at all times. The actions of other drivers can alert you to dangers and give you time to react.
• Be extra cautious on bridges, underpasses, shaded areas, and intersections where ice is slow to melt and are hot spots for black ice.

If You Become Stranded:

• Don’t leave your car, it’s the best protection you have.
• If you need help, tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or hang it out your window.
• Roll down your window a small bit to let in fresh air.
• Make sure to keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Don’t panic about fuel, an idling car typically uses less than a gallon of gas per hour.