Winter Driving Safety 1
Winter Driving The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents 2
Winter Driving Hazards Driving in the winter introduces hazards such as Snow Sleet Ice Slowed traffic Slippery roadways Frozen bridges Fallen branches and powerlines Other unforeseen dangers 3
Winter Driving Hazards Pay attention to weather conditions Listen to radio forecasts Watch the weather channel Check the daily newspaper 4
Winter Driving Safety Stay off of the road if possible If this is not possible Accelerate slowly Increase your following distance Brake early Approach bridges, shaded spots and turns slowly Never use cruise control Use snow tires or chains 5
Three P s of Winter Driving 1. Prepare 2. Protect 3. Prevent 6
Prepare Prepare for the trip Maintain your car Plan your route Practice cold weather driving Practice during the daylight Steer into a skid Know what your brakes will do Know how stopping distances vary 7
Protect Protect yourself Buckle up and use child safety seats properly Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag Children 12 and under are safe in the back seat 8
Prevent Prevent crashes Do not mix drugs and alcohol with driving Slow down Increase distances between cars Avoid fatigue Watch out for pedestrians 9
Safety Precautions Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating properly Brakes Should provide even and balanced braking Check that brake fluid is at the proper level Cooling system Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water Electrical system Check that battery is fully charged and that connections are clean Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension Engine Inspect all engine systems 10
Safety Precautions Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating properly Exhaust system Check exhaust for leaks and that all clamps and hangers are snug Tires Check for proper tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear Check for proper tire inflation Oil Check that oil is at the proper level Visibility systems Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (and wipers Install winter windshield wipers 11
Safety Precautions Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle with the following items Blankets/sleeping bags Cellular telephone or two-way radio Windshield scraper Snow brush Flashlight with fresh/extra batteries Extra winter clothes Shovel 12
Safety Precautions Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle with the following items Tow chain Matches Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter) Emergency flares Jumper cables Snacks Water Road maps 13
Winterizing Your Vehicle Check or have a mechanic check the following items Antifreeze levels Battery and ignition system Brakes Exhaust Fuel and air filters 14
Winterizing Your Vehicle Check or have a mechanic check the following items Heater and defroster Lights and flashing hazard lights Oil Thermostat Windshield wiper equipment Install winter tires 15
If Stranded If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle Stay in the vehicle Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards Display a trouble sign by hanging a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raising the hood Turn on the vehicle's engine for about 10 minutes each hour and run the heat to keep warm Turn on the vehicle's dome light when the vehicle is running as an additional signal 16
If Stranded If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia Do minor exercises to keep up circulation Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally 17
If Stranded If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping Huddle together Use newspapers, maps and even the removable car mats for added insulation Avoid overexertion since cold weather puts an added strain on the heart Be aware of symptoms of dehydration 18
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