Winter Weather Driving Safety Tips In Southern Connecticut
With the news of a pending severe winterstorn making its way up the East Coast this weekend, many people will be out traveling to get that last minute shopping done or on their way to holiday and family events.
Driving in snow and ice can be extremely dangerous so here are some winter weather driving safety tips to help keep your car travel safer.
When my boys were in elementary school I had to drive them to school each day. I considered myself a very safe driver and yet on one very icy and snowy day I lost control of my car and veered into a telephone pole. Luckily no one was hurt but it showed how even the best of drivers have to be so extremely cautious during the winter season.
If you haven't done this already, make sure your car has been tuned up and have had a mechanic check the following items:
Brakes
Defroster
Winshield wipers and windshield washer fluid
Antifreeze
Lights
Oil level
Antifreeze level
Lights
Flashing hazard lights
Battery
Ignitiion system
Thermostat
Exhaust system
It is vitally important to have good winter tires. For most winter conditions all-weather radials are usually sufficient. Check to make sure they had adequate tread and are properly inflated. Consider carrying a set of tire chains for possible heavy snow conditions.
Prevent gasoline freeze up by keeping your gas tank full.and maintaining at a minimum a half tank of gas during the winter season. Before going out on the road check local radio or tv reports for the latest in weather and road conditions.
Keep the following gear in your care for emergencies and everyday trips:
Flashlight
Jumper Cables
Snow brush, ice scaper and small shovel
Blankets
Cell phone
Flares, reflectors or brightly colored cloth (to be used as a distress flag).
If you're traveling long distances plan for making stops along the way. Pack extra blankets, warm clothing, bottled water, quick enery snacks or food and any required medications with you. Buckle up those seat belts! If you must drive during a snow or ice storm, take your time, drive slowly, monitor your speed with changing road and weather conditions.
Let someone know your travel route and when you plan to arrive so the proper authorities can be notified if you don't reach your intended destination.
Make sure to keep the battery charged on your cell phone in the event you become stranded and need to call for help. If weather conditions prevent you from driving or if your car gets stuuck in the snow or stalls, place flares or relective lighting at a safe distance from eithe end of the car.
Check the exhaust pipe and make sure to clear any snow around it. Wrap yourself in warm clothing or blankets, stay in your car with the window open slightly to let in some fresh air and run the heater for a few minutes each hour to stay warm.
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Written and Posted by:
Donna Bigda - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Alliance - Branford, CT 06405
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