With the weather men predicting 1 to 2
feet of snow we can count on tricky wintery roads these next two days. If
you do not have to drive, then stay in the safety of your home. Those of
us, who are obligated to drive out during the rough weather, be sure to drive
SAFELY. Here are some tips for how to handle those treacherous winter
roads. The most important tip we can give you is to make sure your car is
winterized and ready to take on the winter weather. The safest way to tackle
wintery roads is to do your prep work before you take the car on the road.
Begin by turning on your front and rear
defrosters to soften the ice on your windshield. This will also help warm the
inside of the car while you work on the outside. Do not under any circumstance
use hot water unless you like the shattered glass look. Scrap the ice off the windows using a plastic
scrapper, they are less likely to damage and scratch your windows. Before you
head out onto the salt and sand covered roads make sure you have plenty of
windshield washer fluid. Make sure you clean the car off completely. Snow left
on the roof could fly off into traffic or worse slide down onto the windshield
blocking your view of the road. Check they tail pipe for snow and clear it out
if there is any. Carbon Monoxide is no laughing matter and if the tail pipe is
blocked while you’re cleaning outside the car could be filling with it on the
inside. Finally brush off your mirrors, headlights, and tail lights. Seeing is
absolutely necessary in bad weather.
Now that you’re ready
to drive here are some helpful tips on how to stay safe on the roads.
Slow
down! On winter roads your following distance should be a full 8-10 seconds
(about 4 car lengths). Slipping and sliding is a big problem if you find
yourself sliding just follow these steps.
· Don't panic
· Don't slam on the breaks
·
Take your foot off the gas
·
Turn the wheel in the direction you want to go
·
Wait till the car slows down eough for you to regain control
Accelerating
and decelerating slowly will help you maintain traction. Slow and steady will
win the race. Don’t power up hills it may cause your tires to spin and you to
slide. Don’t Stop! If you can avoid stopping do it. The chances of your tires
spinning increase if you are at a full stop as opposed to a slow roll. Most
importantly stay home! The best way to keep you and your family safe is to
simply stay off the roads.
While all cars are able to drive in the snow cars that offer all wheel drive or four wheel drive are recommened. Vehicles like the new <A HREF="http://www.scrantonmotors.com/all-inventory/index.htm?search=gmc+acadia"> GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave</A> are always good choices.
Just in Case!
It
is important to be prepared! Having an emergency winter driving kit in your car
is highly recommended. Keep the kit in the backseat of on the floor as opposed
to the trunk to avoid having to get out of the vehicle. Your winter emergency
kit should contain the following.
1. Bottled water
2. Extra set of winter clothes (hats, scarves, gloves, etc.)
3. Blankets or a small sleeping bag
4. Flashlight
5. Batteries
6. Snacks
7. First aid kit
