Winter weather driving safety tips?

  1. Stay home. Only go out if necessary.
  2. Drive slowly.
  3. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
  4. Increase your following distance to five to six seconds.
  5. Know your brakes.
  6. Don’t stop if you can avoid it.
  7. Don’t power up hills.
  8. Don’t stop going up a hill.

What are 5 tips recommendations for driving in winter snowy conditions?

How to Drive in Snow Safely

  • Drive Super Smoothly. The key to safe driving in snow is being smooth with the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes.
  • Look Far Ahead.
  • Heed the Flashing Lights.
  • Look Here!
  • Deal with the Skids.
  • Use Your Anti-Lock Brakes This Way.
  • Constantly Assess Your Traction.
  • Beware All-Wheel Drive.

What are 3 safe driving tips for driving in snow?

The three P’s of Safe Winter Driving: PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road. Maintain Your Car: Check battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers, keep your windows clear, put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir, and check your antifreeze.

How do you prepare for cold weather driving?

Prepare Your Car for Winter

  1. Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops.
  2. Make sure the cooling system is in good working order.
  3. Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car.
  4. If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch.

What is the most crucial role in safe winter driving?

The lights, tires, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and radiator are especially important for winter driving. Keep your windows clear. Don’t start driving until the windows are defrosted and clean — even if you’re only going a short distance. Watch for danger or slippery spots ahead.

What is the number 1 cause of winter accidents?

1. Icy Roads. Without a doubt, icy roads are one of the top causes of winter-weather car accidents, if not the top cause. Icy roads change the way your car handles and you have to be ready to react.

How slow should I drive in snow?

Go slow. Anytime you’re up against conditions that destroy traction, you want to drop the speedometer. It might feel silly to be poking along at 30 mph in a 65 mph zone, but speed truly is the enemy in snowbound weather. You’ll get there.

What is a winter survival kit?

This basic kit has most of the winter-driving essentials. Included are battery booster cables, a tow rope, a flashlight (batteries included), candles with matches, a collapsible shovel, an ice scraper, a blanket, gloves, and hand wipes.

What is the most efficient braking technique on ice and snow?

On an icy, slippery road, slamming hard on your brakes could put you in trouble, causing your car to skid uncontrollably. To prevent this, a good practice would to gradually slow down the accelerator. This way, you’re able to control your car and move at desired pace.

Should you use 4 wheel drive ice?

That’s why all-wheel drive is best for driving on snowy and icy roads. With all-wheel drive, the driver does not have to use guesswork. Meanwhile, four-wheel drive is a solid option for driving in deeper snow or more extreme winter weather conditions, explains The Globe and Mail.

What are seven tips you can use for smooth winter driving?

INFOGRAPHIC: 7 Tips for Safe Winter Driving

  • Take it Slow. When the weather is bad, even the speed limit can be too fast.
  • Give Yourself Space. Make sure to leave enough space between yourself and other vehicles.
  • Split from the Pack.
  • Plan for the Weather.
  • Stock up on Extra Equipment.
  • Fill Your Fuel Tank.
  • Use Good Judgement.

When driving in snow What are the conditions?

Here are some guidelines for driving in snow or icy conditions:

  1. Keep the windows and windshield clear.
  2. Obtain maximum visibility by turning on low-beam headlights and windshield wipers.
  3. Drive slowly and stay farther behind the vehicle ahead.
  4. Avoid fast turns.
  5. Avoid quick stops.

When you have a blowout What should you do first *?

What to Do If You Have a Tire Blowout

  • First, stay calm.
  • Don’t step on the brake.
  • Accelerate slightly and steer as straight as possible.
  • Begin to slow down by gently removing your foot from the accelerator.
  • Turn on your emergency lights.
  • Steer towards the right-hand lane and pull over when it’s safe.

What can you do to prevent bad weather skids?

Preventing skidding

  1. Make sure you have good tires.
  2. Choose the speed based on the current weather conditions, not the speed limit.
  3. Be attentive while moving on wet or icy roads.
  4. When approaching a turn or rounding a bend, give yourself time to decrease the speed- it will help you keep better control.

Preparing for Winter Driving – How to Drive in Snow and Ice

It is preferable to winterize your car prior to the arrival of winter. It is recommended that you schedule a maintenance inspection for your vehicle’s tires and tire pressure, batteries, belts and hoses; radiator; oil; lights; brakes; exhaust system; heater/defroster; wipers; and ignition system. Maintain a suitable amount of gas in your tank – at least half a tank is suggested. If you live in a very cold climate, you may want to consider utilizing winter tires or tire chains. During the winter, driving conditions such as rain, snow, and ice have a significant impact on a vehicle’s stopping distance.

In order to come to a safe stop, the vehicle’s wheels must retain traction by maintaining in touch with the road surface while rolling.

When driving on slick winter roads, slower speeds, smoother stops and bends, and longer following distances are the keys to being safe.

Attempting to get additional mileage out of your tires during the cold months is not a good idea.

  1. Replace your tires if you’re in doubt.
  2. Tires that are under-inflated might cause a vehicle to respond more slowly to steering inputs.
  3. Tires naturally lose air as a result of the process known as permeation.
  4. The use of sand and salt is essential in maintaining road safety.
  5. Sand, in contrast to salt, does not melt and, as a result, is useful for creating grip on slick surfaces.
  6. When snowplows are on the road, it is important to exercise caution since snowplows, salt trucks, and sand trucks operate at a considerably slower speed than ordinary traffic.

Roads are often colder in shaded places, and drivers may come across another potentially deadly substance known as ‘black ice’ when traveling across them. When you observe shady places when driving in these sorts of weather, always slow down your car.

Here are some safe-driving tips that will help you when roads are slick with ice or snow:

  • Get a feel for the road by beginning off slowly and putting your steering control and braking abilities to the ultimate test. When you first start your automobile, slowly press the gas pedal until the car begins to roll. This will prevent your tires from spinning. You should begin slowing down at least three times earlier than you would typically do while turning or halting. Install snow chains or winter tires on your car. Chains are by far the most efficient method of traction, and they should be worn whenever ice and snow are still present on the road surface. Keep in mind that snow tires will skid on ice or compacted snow, so maintain a safe distance. Reduce your speed in accordance with the current conditions. When driving on snow or ice, there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ speed range to adhere to or adhere to. For the time being, you must exercise extreme caution until you have determined how much traction you may expect from your tires. When coming to a halt, avoid making rapid movements with the steering wheel and softly press the brake. When driving on glazed ice, avoid locking your brakes since this will result in a loss of steering and control. According to the amount of light or shade present and the surface of the pavement, every city block and every mile of highway may be different. (Consult your car owner’s handbook
  • If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, you may be able to maintain consistent pressure on the brake pedal.)
  • Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, taking into consideration the state of the surface. Drivers neglect to give stopping distance on ice roads, resulting in a large number of unnecessary rear-end collisions. Maintaining your car in the finest possible driving condition is essential. Winter driving necessitates the use of extra caution with regard to the lights, tires, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and radiator. Maintain a clean view out your windows. Even if you’re just traveling a short distance, wait until the windows are defrosted and clean before getting behind the wheel. Keep an eye out for any hazards or slick patches ahead. Even if the remainder of the road is clean, it is possible that ice will stay on bridges. Snow and ice also tend to stay to surfaces that are shadowed for a longer period of time.

When driving in snow and ice, having properly functioning windshield wipers and defrosters is critical to maintaining safety on the road. Windshield wipers that are properly maintained are essential; there are also specific blades available that are better suited to assisting in the removal of snow from the windshield, if necessary. When it comes to removing snow and ice from your windshield (and, in certain cases, your rear glass if your car is equipped with one), defroster efficacy is critical, and it should be serviced long before you need it.

SafeMotorist.com Articles about Driving Safety include: This post was prepared by defensive driving staff writers for SafeMotorist.com, and it was vetted for correctness by defensive driving instructors before being published.

In no way should this article be construed as legal advice or a literal interpretation of any specific traffic legislation; rather, it should be regarded as instructional material only.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Winter weather, whether in the form of snow, sleet, or ice, may create highly hazardous driving conditions. In winter weather conditions, there were 440 death incidents and an anticipated 33,000 injury crashes in 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is critical to prepare yourself – as well as your car – for winter weather.

The Basics

Take it easy. When driving on a slippery or snow-covered terrain, it is more difficult to maintain control and stop your car. There were around 182,000 collisions reported to police that happened under snowy weather in the United States year 2019. Increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles in front of you when driving on the highway. Don’t get too close to a snow plow or drive alongside the vehicle. Slush plows go slowly, make wide curves, stop frequently, overlap lanes, and depart the road on a consistent basis.

What to Do in an Emergency

Keeping your attention on yourself and your passengers, as well as your car and surroundings, is essential while you are stopped or stuck in winter weather.

  • Continue to stay with your vehicle and avoid overexerting yourself
  • Allow others to view your vehicle. Draw large, bold letters or numbers on the antenna or windows and leave the inside dome light on
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning should be avoided at all costs. Maintain a clear path for snow to pass through your exhaust pipe and only drive your automobile when absolutely necessary – just long enough to keep warm. Don’t leave your automobile running for extended periods of time with the windows down or in a confined place.

Tires

Tire inflation pressure decreases in direct proportion to the ambient temperature. Check that each tire is filled to the recommended inflation pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer, which may be found in your owner’s handbook and on a label attached to the driver’s side door frame. It is not necessary to fill your tires to the pressure specified on the tire. That figure represents the maximum amount of pressure that the tire is capable of holding, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle.

  • Preventive maintenance should be performed at least once a month and before extended road trips. Checking the tires when they are cold, which means that they have not been driven on for at least three hours, is the ideal method of doing so. Check the age of each tire. Some car manufacturers suggest that tires be replaced every six years, regardless of how much they are used.

It is not enough to just check tire pressure and age during an inspection. Keep in mind to double-check:

  • For any damage or conditions that may require attention
  • The tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scratches, cracks, or bumps
  • And the tire itself for any damage or conditions that may require treatment. All of your tires, including your spare, should have tread depths of at least 2/32 of an inch or larger.

Immediately take your car to a tire servicing technician if you see tire damage. Consider adding snow tires, but before purchasing new tires, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’sTirespage to examine tire safety ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) allows you to evaluate tire treadwear, traction performance, and temperature resistance across different tire brands.

Car Seats

When the weather becomes cooler, parents generally wrap their children in winter jackets to keep them warm. However, it’s crucial to be aware that heavier jackets might make it difficult to get a youngster into a car seat with the right harness fit. Choosing thin, warm layers for your kid to be strapped in a car seat is essential. After the harness is tight and secure, wrap blankets or jackets around your child to provide additional warmth. As a last check, make certain that any child safety seats and booster seats are correctly mounted, and that any children accompanying you are in the appropriate seat for their ages and sizes.

You may use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’sChild Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to discover a free car seat inspection location near you or to learn more about virtual inspections.

Batteries

When the temperature lowers, so does the battery’s ability to hold a charge. When it is cold outside, gasoline and diesel engines require more battery charge to start, and the driving range of electric and hybrid-electric cars can be significantly decreased. Have a mechanic inspect your battery, charging system, belts, and any other components that may need to be repaired or replaced.

Safety Technologies

Understand the safety features in your car and how they work in cold weather before you put them to the test. Determine whether your car is equipped with an antilock braking system and become familiar with how to use it effectively. Antilock brake systems keep your wheels from locking up when you’re braking hard and quickly. If your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, maintain firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal. Because antilock brakes are not standard on some vehicles, you may be required to pump your brakes in order to prevent your wheels from locking up.

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Floor Mats

Understand the safety features in your car and how they work in cold weather before you put them on the road. Determine whether your car is equipped with an antilock braking system and become familiar with how to operate it safely and effectively. Using antilock brake systems, you can avoid your wheels locking up when slowing down. Maintain constant, firm pressure on the brake pedal if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

Because antilock brakes are not standard on some vehicles, you may be required to pump your brakes in the event that your wheels begin to lock up while driving. Please see www.NHTSA.gov/DriverAssistTech for additional information about driver assistance technology.

Lights

Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights before you leave the house or go anywhere. Don’t forget to check your trailer’s brake lights and turn signals to make sure they’re working properly.

Windshield Wipers

During a single blizzard, you may easily go through a large amount of windshield wiper fluid. Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle’s reservoir is fully stocked with high-quality ‘winter’ fluid that contains de-icer. Check that all of the defrosters and windshield wipers are operational, and replace any worn blades. If you reside in a region where there is a lot of snow and ice, you should consider adding heavy-duty winter wipers.

Cooling System

Check to see that you have adequate coolant in your car, and that it satisfies the manufacturer’s guidelines before driving off. For further information, consult your vehicle’s owner’s handbook. Check for leaks in the cooling system, do a coolant test, and drain or replace any old coolant that is present. Additionally, you may want to take your vehicle to your mechanic for a tune-up, and have them check for leaks, severely worn hoses, or any other necessary components, repairs, or replacements.

Stock Your Vehicle

Include the following goods in your vehicle: items that will help you with routine winter driving duties, as well as supplies you could need in an emergency.

  • A snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
  • Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter) in case your vehicle becomes stuck in the snow
  • Jumper cables, flashlights, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
  • Blankets for protection from the cold
  • And a cell phone and charger, as well as water, food, and any medications you may need. a cell phone and charger, as well as water, food, and any medications you may need.

Gas Up or Plug It In

Keep your petrol tank as near as full as possible at all times. Reduce the amount of energy that is drawn from the battery in electric and hybrid-electric cars. Lithium ion batteries, in general, have less energy while operating at lower temperatures. Additionally, in cold weather, the majority of car batteries will use battery power to self-heat the vehicle. Keeping your electric car as warm as possible during frigid weather will help to reduce the amount of battery drain caused by heating. A typical method of accomplishing this is to plug your car in at night during the winter, allowing the battery temperature to remain within acceptable levels.

Plan Your Route

Make careful to check the weather, road conditions, and traffic conditions before leaving the house. Even if you use a GPS, familiarize yourself with instructions and maps before you leave, and inform others of your intended route and projected arrival time. On longer journeys, allow ample time to stop and stretch, eat something, check your phone, and switch drivers or take a nap if you begin to feel sleepy or dizzy.

Check for Recalls

When you enter your vehicle identifying number (VIN), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Recalls Look-up Tool will tell you whether or not your vehicle has a significant safety concern that has not been corrected and how to get that repair done for free. You may also download the NHTSA’s SaferCar app and submit information about your car and its components. An alert will be sent to your phone in the event that a recall is issued.

Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors

If you follow the regulations, you will never get into an accident. Do not text or drive distracted; respect established speed limits; and always drive sober.

Drunk or drugged driving can impede safe and responsible driving by interfering with several aspects of the driver’s ability, including coordination, judgment, perception, and response time. And don’t forget to always buckle up your seatbelt.

How to Prepare Your Car for a Winter Storm

If you follow the regulations, you will never get into an accident. Do not text or drive distracted; follow stated speed limits; and always drive sober. As a result of their effects on factors such as coordination, judgment, perception, and response time, both alcohol and drugs can make driving more dangerous and irresponsible. Keep in mind, too, that you should always buckle your seat belt.

Fleet safety tip: Winter driving – Element Fleet

Early in the winter morning, you awake to see a few inches of snow on the ground, which has accumulated throughout the night before. When you have a pressing need to get to work, you have no choice but to drive on slick, icy roads. It is unfortunate that this occurs far too frequently throughout the winter months. To keep yourself and others on the road safe through any winter weather Mother Nature throws at you, remember to follow these vital safety precautions:

Avoid driving in storms

If at all possible, stay off the roadways during any type of winter weather conditions. It’s important to drive slowly if it’s not possible to prevent it, especially on roads that are covered in snow. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to avoid slipping and sliding on the wet pavement. Don’t attempt to go anyplace in a short amount of time. Before you go out on your travel, make a route plan and double-check road conditions and closures.

Create a winter emergency kit

Whenever Mother Nature chooses to shower us with snow, you never know what will happen on the roads. During the winter season, it’s critical to maintain essentials and emergency supplies in your car at all times, just in case. Some items to keep in your emergency kit in case of an emergency are as follows:

  • Use of flares and reflectors to indicate for assistance Cables for jumping
  • An ice scraper
  • A shovel
  • Hand warmers
  • A second coat, hat, and mittens, among other things
  • A first-aid kit is also recommended. Tire chains are a type of chain that is used to secure tires to a vehicle.

flares and reflectors to summon assistance; Cables for jumping; an ice scraper; a shovel; hand warmers; a second coat, hat, and mittens, among other things. A first-aid kit is essential. Tire chains are a type of chain that is used to secure tires to a wheel.

Implement a Winter Tire Policy

Use of flares and reflectors to signal for assistance. Cables for jumping; an ice scraper; a shovel; hand warmers; a spare coat, hat, and mittens, among other things; a first-aid kit; a flashlight Tire chains are a type of chain that is used to secure tires to wheels.

Replacing tires

Flares and reflectors to signal for assistance; Jumper cables; an ice scraper; a shovel; hand warmers; an additional coat, hat, and mittens, among other things; a first-aid kit; Tire chains are a type of chain that is used to hold tires together.

Remove all ice and snow from your vehicle

Before you attempt to operate your car, let it to progressively warm up to its operating temperature. Turn on your automobile and defrost your windshield gently with the windows down. Allow it to warm up for at least five minutes before using it. The removal of any ice and snow from your car before you get behind the wheel is critical, and it is mandated by law as well. Snow and ice blowing off your car while you are driving creates a serious hazard for other vehicles in your vicinity. Remove the melting ice and snow off the driveway with an ice scraper and a brush.

When you’re cleaning up after your car, keep an eye out for the exhaust pipe. Check to see that all ice and snow has been removed from your exhaust before driving. It is possible that leaving it there will result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

If there’s an emergency:

If you find yourself stranded or want any type of assistance during a winter emergency, don’t worry. Continue to stay with your car and activate your hazard lights. Make every effort not to keep your automobile running for extended periods of time with the windows closed or in an enclosed space to avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide. If you require assistance, contact your local police enforcement agency. If you are a fleet driver, you should call your fleet manager or a fleet management organization in accordance with your fleet policy to report the incident.

Winter Weather Driving Safety Tips

The potential of ‘wintery mix,’ ice, and snow creates road risks that all drivers must be mindful of when driving on the highway. It should come as no surprise that the harsh winter weather has a significant role in the increasing number of automobile accidents that occur during this time of year. Statistically, Pennsylvania has the greatest amount of traffic deaths, which is especially true in the state’s rural areas. If you’re driving in ice or snow, keep the following suggestions in mind:

  • The potential of ‘wintery mix,’ ice, and snow creates traffic risks that all drivers must be mindful of when driving on the highways. It should come as no surprise that the harsh winter weather contributes significantly to the higher number of automobile accidents that occur during this time of year. Statistically, Pennsylvania has the highest amount of traffic deaths, which is especially true in the state’s capital city. If you’re driving in ice or snow, keep these suggestions in mind:

It is vital to remember that automobile accidents cannot always be prevented; nevertheless, following these guidelines can help to keep you and your passengers safe. As a result, motorists should be informed of the procedures to be followed in the event of a traffic mishap as well. Kartler Manusha has been assisting injury victims for more than 40 years and is always accessible
to give free legal consultations to anyone who have been involved in an automobile accident. If you or someone you care about has been wounded in a vehicle accident, please contact us online or by phone at (267)214-8608 as soon as possible!

Driving in winter? Be prepared and stay safe

Weather factors such as snow, sleet, ice, and temperatures below freezing all have an impact on driving conditions. During the winter, driver performance in winter hazards, proper vehicle maintenance, and common sense all contribute to overall safety. These suggestions will assist you and your vehicle in surviving the winter.

Prepare your car—and yourself—for winter driving conditions

Prepare for driving in inclement and frigid weather by wearing appropriate clothing. Begin with the recommendations provided here.

  • Be familiar with how your vehicle performs in the snow. While equipment such as anti-lock brakes and all-weather tires might be beneficial, each vehicle has its own set of characteristics. Try to acquire a feel for stopping, starting, and turning in a large, empty, snowy parking lot if at all possible to get a sense for how your wheels react in the snow. Check to see that your battery is fully charged and operating at peak performance. As a result of the cold weather, battery performance is negatively affected, therefore check it before the temperature lowers
  • Make sure to keep your petrol tank fully topped off. In the event of severe weather or traffic delays, you may be forced to alter your plans or return home. A full gas tank can also help to avoid your car’s gas line from becoming iced over. Replace your oil filter and, if necessary, your oil. In cold weather, the oil in your car thickens, and a thinner grade of oil (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle) will help your automobile operate more smoothly in the winter. When driving in cold weather, check to see whether your wiper fluid includes anti-freeze to prevent the spray from freezing. It is recommended that you purchase winter wiper blades, which prevent ice and snow from solidifying on the wiper. Maintain visibility through the windshield and windows. Keep a snowbrush and scraper in your vehicle at all times for emergency situations. Using a clean cloth to wipe down the glass will help increase vision. Check that your tires have excellent tread and that they are properly inflated – all of these are critical for safe winter driving in cold temperatures. While all-weather tires may be suitable for some drivers, if the weather in your location is more conducive to snow and ice, you might consider winterizing your vehicle with snow tires. Check the condition of your exhaust pipe to ensure it is free of obstructions. When a pipe becomes clogged, carbon monoxide gas may seep into your car while the engine is running
  • Have a supply of oxygen in your trunk in case of an emergency. An ice scraper and a bag of salt (or cat litter) will assist you in digging your wheels out of a ditch and providing them with traction on ice and snow. In the event that you become stranded, a blanket will keep you warm, and water bottles will keep you hydrated.

Plan your trip with common sense

You may be driving for two hours or taking a short flight to go to your dental appointment when a catastrophic weather catastrophe occurs. Before you begin your ride, take the necessary measures.

  • Allow for extra travel time to get to your location. Trips can take significantly longer during the winter than they do at other times of the year, particularly if you face stormy weather or ice roads. Furthermore, driving in adverse weather is difficult enough without the extra stress of being late, which may impair your ability to make safe driving decisions. It is not recommended to warm up your vehicle in a confined space such as a garage. This can result in the accumulation of dangerous carbon monoxide. Fully charge your mobile and make sure you have access to a car charger in case you are running late or need to call for assistance if you become trapped or have an emergency. However, resist the desire to use your phone while driving because it may be a harmful distraction. If you need to make a phone call, pull over immediately. Before you begin your journey, keep an eye on the weather conditions, not only at your departure point but also at your destination, and make any necessary adjustments. If it appears that the roads will be too dangerous, for example, if an ice storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, hail, or other extreme weather is forecast anywhere along the path you want to travel, you should reconsider your travel plans and reconsider your destination.
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Driveextracarefully

Poor driving habits such as ‘failure to maintain correct lane position or going off the road’ and ‘driving too fast for the conditions’ are two of the most often observed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (NHTSA). When driving in bad weather, these types of actions become much more risky, therefore take extra measures on the road.

  • Maintain a modest speed on snow-covered or ice roads since accelerating, stopping, and turning all take longer. Allow yourself at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop by maintaining a greater gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you than is customary. Even while moving on dry roads, automobiles and motorbikes often require a minimum of three seconds to come to a complete stop. Driving across bridges and roads that are not exposed to sunlight should be done with caution since they are sometimes ice while other regions are not. Make a note of your route and pay close attention to prevent unexpected stops and abrupt direction changes, which might result in spinouts or crashes with other vehicles on slick roads. Remember to be on the lookout for animals, which are typically more daring in their search for food when there is snow on the ground and may walk into or near highways. Prepare to prevent accidents with deer or other animals in identified areas by taking the following precautions: It is not recommended to use your cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces. Ideally, you want to keep complete control over your car.

If youdoget caught in a storm

Despite your best attempts, you may find yourself traveling in inclement weather at some point. In that situation, the following is true:

  • Keep an ear to the ground for weather bulletins and weather-related incidents on the radio or on your GPS. Don’t try to drive your way out of the storm
  • Instead, use alternate routes to avoid the brunt of the storm or its devastation. Locate a safe place to take refuge for yourself and your vehicle while you wait for the storm to pass

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15 items to keep in your car this winter

Consider the following scenario: It’s a frigid winter morning here in the city. You wake up to bright sky and clean roads despite a light dusting of snow throughout the previous night. When you leave your house to go to work, you discover a coating of frozen snow on the windshield of your automobile. Your ice scraper/snow brush is nowhere to be found when you open the trunk to get it. ‘Damn,’ you mutter to yourself, ‘I never got around to replacing mine when it broke last winter!’ Because you don’t have a snow brush, you have to use your arm to clean some snow off your automobile.

  1. As you climb into the driver’s seat, you say to yourself, ‘Oh well, nice enough.’ The moment you pull out of the driveway, you begin to accelerate as you approach the main road.
  2. It obstructs your eyesight and emits a blinding ray of light.
  3. When you go to put your wipers on, something happens.
  4. At a stop sign, you hit the automobile in front of you from behind.
  5. However, if you had planned ahead of time, this accident may have been avoided.
  6. However, it is never a bad idea to be prepared in case you are involved in a car accident.
  7. Being prepared can make things much simpler if you are involved in a car accident, get a breakdown, or become stranded in the snow this winter.
  8. Related: When driving in snow and ice, there are seven mistakes that people make.

15 Items to Put in Your Winter Driving Safety Kit

1. A sturdy ice scraper and a snow brush are essential. This is one of the most important items to have in your car throughout the winter months. Remember that the weatherman is not always correct, thus a slight probability of flurries might result in a few inches of snow on your car’s roof or windshield. As soon as the cold weather arrives, make sure you have an ice scraper and a snow brush in your car. Snow and ice on automobiles is hazardous because it might block your vision or fly off and collide with another vehicle.

  • ‘Crumpled gloves with the snow brush’ by Valerie Everett is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.
  • Purchase a tiny or foldable shovel that you may put in your vehicle’s trunk.
  • 3.
  • You’ve got the snow brush and shovel, but now it’s time to put them to use.
  • It’s also a good idea to carry a couple hand warmers in your car at all times.
  • It will be easier to clean out your automobile if you’re not freezing to death.
  • Do you have a lot of spare blankets sitting around the house?

If you become stuck or are involved in an automobile accident, it will become extremely chilly very quickly, especially if your car won’t start.

5.

Snow storms limit vision regardless of whether it is daylight or evening.

6.

If your car becomes stuck in the snow, these gritty materials will aid in gaining grip for your tires.

7.

If someone is wounded in a vehicle accident, having a first aid package on hand is critical.

Basic first aid should be administered to the victim until assistance arrives.

An extra container of windshield washer fluid.

Using windshield washer fluid to clear your windshield helps increase vision during a winter storm.

Bring a flashlight.

While driving at night, use the flashlight to figure out what’s wrong and get back on the road quickly.

ten.

Jumper cables are number eleven.

The fact that you can’t start your automobile when the battery is dead implies that you won’t be able to utilize the heater in the vehicle for warmth.

If you have jumper cables with you, you won’t have to wait as long to get started.

A little toolkit with a few essentials.

Learn how to conduct basic maintenance tasks on your own so that you don’t have to rely on others for assistance.

A pair of sunglasses.

Wearing sunglasses while driving might help to decrease glare.

A charger for your cell phone.

Using your phone to call for help in the event of a car accident or becoming stranded is essential.

If you become stranded, it is possible that you may have to wait for assistance.

The ability to keep water and food on hand in your car will be useful in these scenarios.

And don’t forget to pack food for your children, since they may become hungry and grumpy in such an environment.

In order to keep your automobile running efficiently throughout the winter months, maintain the tank half-full of petrol and make sure your wiper blades are in good operating order. You may also want to consider investing in a set of winter tires.

Car Accident Attorneys in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

You may take precautions to lower your chances of getting into a vehicle accident, but you can’t protect yourself against reckless driving, which is terrible. If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter vehicle accident, you deserve the services of an experienced and compassionate attorney. KaneSilverman, a Philadelphia automobile accident law firm, will be on your side if you are involved in an accident. Our knowledgeable attorneys will fight for your rights and explore the circumstances behind the winter automobile accident.

Winter Driving Tips

Winter has arrived for the majority of the country. It is difficult for your drivers to navigate their way through unanticipated hurdles and weather-related risks whether it is icy, snowy, or slippery. It is critical for them to plan ahead of time in order to be prepared for the worst-case situation. They also need to be aware of how to deal with the extreme road conditions that come with driving in winter weather. In addition to reduced road friction, drivers must contend with decreased vehicle maneuverability, travel delays, and road closures, all of which enhance their chances of colliding.

  1. Keep in mind that highways receive priority attention from road maintenance staff, but smaller roads, which might stay unsafe for extended periods of time following winter storms, are less likely to receive treatment.
  2. Make it a habit to clean all of your mirrors and lights on a regular basis.
  3. Drivers should dress for the winter in loose-fitting, lightweight, and warm clothing that may be worn in numerous layers, rather than in one piece.
  4. According to a solid rule of thumb, drivers should prepare for the worst potential winter weather conditions.
  • Before you begin your journey, conduct a comprehensive pre-trip examination, paying particular attention to the heater and defroster. Please, take it easy! It is never safe to drive faster than your vehicle’s capacity to stop and maneuver in a safe way. Maintain a minimum following distance of eight seconds to give yourself extra time to halt and maneuver
  • Under no circumstances should you overestimate your vehicle’s capacity to operate above and beyond its safety constraints or traction capabilities, or your own driving skills. Protect yourself by driving conservatively and keeping an eye out for hazards farther down the road. Take care not to make rapid twists, pauses, or accelerations. Prepare yourself for unpredictable and uncontrolled driving on the part of other motorists. Allow plenty of space for snowplows and other road maintenance equipment. Take caution when driving on frozen or black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and parking lots
  • Passing on or near a bridge or overpass, when traveling on a curved road, at a railroad crossing, or as you approach or enter a junction are all prohibited. When driving up slopes, use additional caution and be prepared to stop. It is possible that traffic is backed up on the opposite side and that the road is slippery
  • Don’t take any chances that aren’t absolutely required. If the road conditions are too hazardous to continue driving, pull over to the side of the road at the first safe area and call your Dispatcher.
  • Driving Tips for the Seasons
  • Driving with Others on the Road
  • Weather Conditions

Safe Driving Tips for Bad Weather

Alex Deborgorski, star of the History Channel’s Ice Road Truckers, provides some helpful hints.

If You’re Driving on Snowy or Icy Roads:

  • Take it easy. Even if you have all-wheel drive, you should restrict your speed by approximately 10 miles per hour below the posted limit of the road. If you’re still not comfortable, reduce your speed by another five miles per hour until you’re comfortable. Keep an eye out for black ice. At night, your headlights will reflect off the road, allowing you to view this crystal-clear coating, which is practically hard to notice during the day. Due to drains, it often forms on bridges, which trap the cold
  • In the shadows of large buildings, where the sun cannot reach it
  • And at crossroads, where the cold is trapped by the drainage system. In order to avoid this, you should slow down a few hundred feet before stop signs and traffic lights when driving in poor weather. Tailgating should be avoided. Provide around 100 yards (about the length of a football field) between you and the automobile in front of you on the highway to allow for plenty of stopping space in case the driver in front of you abruptly brakes. Even so, it’s near enough for him to use his headlights to see what’s ahead of him. When making a turn, avoid braking. Preventing a spin-out can be accomplished by gently twisting the steering wheel and lightly feathering the brakes before the bend. Then, with your foot off the brake and your foot off the throttle, cruise through the turn to avoid gaining any further speed. When you put your foot on the brake, the wheels come to a complete halt. A toboggan-like situation occurs when the driver loses control of the vehicle and the vehicle travels in any direction determined by momentum. Make a U-turn and slide. Stay cool, release your foot from the brake and throttle pedals, and steer the automobile the direction of the sliding car to avoid more damage. For example, if you’re sliding to the left, spin the steering wheel slightly to the left to counteract the slide. The skid is eliminated as a result of this. The automobile corrects itself and continues on its path. You can drive your car into a snow bank if everything else fails and you are in a position to do it safely
  • However, this is not recommended.

If You’re Driving in Foggy Conditions:

  • Turn on the fog lights if necessary. (A switch for this is normally found either on the dashboard or on the same lever that controls the turn signal, although you can also use low beams in a hurry.) The lights are yellow, which is more effective at cutting through fog than white lamps, and they are mounted low to the ground, allowing the beams to illuminate the road well. Before entering a fog bank, use the brakes firmly. This signals to the vehicles following you to slow down. Putting on the brakes until you’re right in the heart of things increases your chances of being hit from behind. Before going up a hill, slow down. You should exercise additional caution when approaching the summit of a mountain since you won’t be able to see whether or not another vehicle has stopped there.

If You’re Driving in Rainy Weather:

  • Reduce your speed by at least 5 or 10 miles per hour. At certain speeds, your automobile may hydroplane, rising off the ground and causing you to drive on a layer of water. This is known as hydroplaning. Whenever this occurs, don’t worry
  • Simply slow down until the automobile returns to its usual state. Avoid driving through flooded regions if at all possible. It will be difficult to determine the depth of the water. This is a potentially dangerous situation in and of itself. Furthermore, if water is sucked into the air-intake valve and subsequently into the engine, the vehicle would most likely shut down. After you’ve drove through a puddle, use the brakes to slow down. Also, make sure you remove your foot off the gas after you are finished. Because of this, heat and friction are generated, which aid in the drying of the brakes.
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If You’re Having Car Trouble:

  • Make sure your vehicle is not in the path of oncoming vehicles. Pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Set up flares around your vehicle to ensure that it is plainly visible to oncoming traffic. Three markers should be placed 100, 50, and 25 feet behind the vehicle. Make sure they aren’t too close to any flammable grass or plants, and make sure they don’t walk away from you. In a storm, it’s easy to lose track of where you’re going. Keep your car by your side until assistance arrives. When you’re in a hurry, use the floor mats. If your tires become stuck in the snow, you may use cat litter, sand, or the car’s floor mats to aid create traction by placing them beneath the wheels. It is also a good idea to keep a shovel in the trunk in case you need to dig out the wheels. First and foremost, if the automobile is completely submerged in snow, it is critical to ensure that the exhaust pipe is visible. If the pipe is obstructed by snow, it might cause hazardous carbon monoxide to be released into your vehicle.

Prep Your Car for Bad Weather:

  • Examine the wipers on the windshield. Any tires with damaged rubber should be replaced. If you live in a location that receives a lot of snow and ice, consider investing in winter blades, which shed ice more effectively. Headlight covers should be cleaned. When they are exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, they gradually turn yellow and hazy, reducing the amount of light emitted by your headlights. (Check out the Rain-X headlight-restoration kit, which costs $16 at Advance Auto Parts.) Examine the treads on your tires. Take a look at this timeless masterpiece. The real Simpletrick is this: Insert a penny into the tire grooves in a number of different locations. It is important to insert the coin into the tread such that Abraham Lincoln enters the tread headfirst. As soon as you can see the top of President Obama’s head, you know that the tires are too worn out and should be changed. Additionally, if you reside in an area that experiences a lot of harsh weather, you might consider purchasing winter tires. The term ‘all-season tires’ is misleading. These tires are built of a thick material that becomes as hard as a rock when exposed to freezing temperatures and will not hold up against slick pavement. Winter tires are constructed of a softer material that remains malleable and adheres to the road better in cold weather.
  • Get your automobile serviced for the winter. If you reside in a cold-weather climate, this is very crucial. Incorporate winter-grade fluids that are resistant to freezing into your vehicle, such as antifreeze, oil, and windshield wiper solution. Additionally, make certain that the levels are maintained throughout the season. Prepare an emergency supply kit. Road flares, a blanket, a shovel, a flashlight, jumper cables, a tow rope, an air compressor, duct tape, and an ice scraper should all be included in your emergency kit. In addition, you may wish to include dry food items, water bottles, toilet paper, and warm clothing

10 Key Winter Weather Truck Driving Tips

When the temperature drops below five degrees Fahrenheit, even the most experienced truck drivers may have difficulty navigating the ice roads and highways. Big rig drivers face tremendous difficulties due to poor sight combined with low traction. This makes their jobs incredibly difficult.

However, by putting in place preventive safety measures for driving in ice conditions, you will be able to sail through the winter season without encountering any big issues. Fleet truck drivers can benefit from the following ten winter driving recommendations, which will keep you safe this winter.

1. Inspect Your Vehicle

To avoid any severe difficulties with your truck during the winter, it is important to prepare it for the season. Before you get on the road, be sure to thoroughly inspect the tire pressure, engine oil, and antifreeze levels. You may also get your car inspected by a professional to ensure that it is in good working order to endure the rigors of the winter season.

2. Slow Down

The majority of accidents occur because drivers fail to modify their speed in response to changing road conditions. It is possible that you may need to reduce your speed while driving on a snow-covered road in order to compensate for the lack of traction. Furthermore, going slowly will give you more time to respond in the event that something goes wrong. As a result, this winter, take it easy on the accelerator pedal.

3. Give Yourself Some Extra Space

What if I told you that the stopping distance on a slick road is twice as long as the typical stopping distance? And on ice roads, the number increases by roughly tenfold! As a result, allow plenty of distance between your truck and the car in front of you so that you have adequate space to get out of harm’s way in the event of an unexpected emergency. It’s usually a good idea to leave a little more distance between yourself and some of the bad drivers you could come across during the winter months on the road.

4. Stay Smooth

When driving in cold weather, make every effort to avoid making any rapid movements such as braking, accelerating, turning, and so on. If the scenario calls for you to come to a rapid stop on a slick road, softly pump your brakes to slow down. The most important thing to remember is to keep your pace steady and avoid doing anything that can lose traction on the slick roadways.

5. Pay Attention to the Tire Spray

One of the most crucial (and most overlooked) winter driving rules is to keep your speed down. A smart technique to determine the status of the road is to look at the water that is dripping from the tires of the cars in your immediate vicinity. If there is a lot of water being sprayed on the road, it is almost certain that the road is flooded. If the amount of tire spray is relatively low, this indicates that the highway has begun to ice and that you should proceed with caution on the road.

6. Let There Be Light

It is quite difficult to see when it is raining or snowing heavily. Don’t forget to clean snow and ice from lights and tractor trailers, as well as to switch on the headlights of your truck before driving. Using this method, other drivers will be able to see you and keep a safe distance between them and your vehicle.

7. Take Evasive Action

Avoiding a collision is preferable to heavy braking in some situations, notably while driving on snow-covered roads. You should try decelerating your vehicle somewhat and navigating around the obstructions if you are traveling at a speed of 25-30mph in order to prevent a collision.

8. When in Doubt, Pull Over

If the weather is too terrible to drive, don’t get too caught up in worrying about your schedule.

Find a safe route to go off the beaten path and wait until the weather improves and it is safe for you to get behind the wheel.

9. Be Prepared

Do not forget to bring along a change of warm clothes and a sleeping bag. If you are going on a long trip, make sure you have the following items with you: a flashlight, shovel, matches, traction devices, a bag of sand, and so on. Keep roadside help for trucks handy in case you become stranded or run into difficulty on the road.

10. Check Twice

It might be difficult to see traffic signals and signs when vision is hampered by a whiteout blizzard. Before continuing through an intersection or turning down a one-way street, make sure you check both ways before advancing. These winter driving safety rules may appear to be straightforward, but they will only be effective if you adhere to them to the letter. At the end of the day, it is up to you to use good judgment and be safe when driving on the highway.

Safe Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers & Fleets

While it may appear that there is little that can be done in the moments before an accident, truck drivers can play an important role in keeping the roads safe by slowing down, encouraging practices that promote safety and attention, and by following the rules of the road. Throughout the year, the United States and Canada get pummeled by snow, and there are always a plethora of mishaps. Some of them are unavoidable, but in the majority of situations, they may be avoided or minimized. This piece is not intended to be a slam against truck drivers.

(1) The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate that everyone – including automobile drivers, truck drivers, safety managers, and warehouse attendants – can play a role in keeping the roads safe this winter.

1. 10-day forecasts + navigation is a must

Maintaining awareness of shifting winter weather conditions in the back of fleet managers’ minds should be a priority for them. Given that the weather in the United States varies dramatically depending on where you reside, drivers and fleet management must anticipate the weather on truck routes when determining routing, delivery times, and safety precautions. If a corporation does not have access to in-house weather technology, employing websites such as weather.com can serve as a suitable replacement.

Throughout the country’s mountainous regions, the weather varies regularly.

A navigation system will alert a vehicle to any potential hazards that may be ahead.

2. Listen to the CB radio

CB radios, in addition to delivering updates from navigation systems, may also provide peer-to-peer information on what is ahead.

Listening to ESPN radio or your favorite comedian on Sirius XM while driving in a storm or while slogging through snowy conditions may be quite dangerous. When driving in hazardous situations, it is far preferable to be prepared and concentrate on the road.

3. All eyes on deck – proper inspections are not just for drivers

Drivers are required to conduct regular checks, but everyone in the warehouse and truck yard should be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Damage to vehicles is difficult to detect in the winter because of the accumulation of ice and snow on them. The importance of keeping an eye out in the yard for any form of damage before a driver leaves cannot be overstated. The use of an ELD in conjunction with a smartphone application can help to remove ambiguity in DVIR reports. Take as many photos as you can and store them on your smartphone and the backend web portal.

4. Tires: tread, pressure, snow tires, and chains

In addition to drivers, everyone in the warehouse and truck yard should keep their eyes out for signs of unauthorized activity. Damage to trucks is difficult to detect in the winter because of the accumulation of ice and snow on the vehicle’s surfaces. The importance of keeping an eye out for any form of damage in the yard before a driver leaves cannot be overstated. In the case of DVIR reports, the use of an ELD in conjunction with a smartphone application can remove uncertainty. Take as many photos as you can and keep them on your smartphone and the backend web portal.

5. The winter survival kit

In the event of a winter calamity, motorists may find themselves in situations where their capacity to survive in low conditions is put to the test. In order to survive the winter, drivers must carry a winter survival kit that has all of the required components to be warm, nourished, and in constant touch with the home office and police, if necessary. Here is a list of goods that might be useful to a motorist in the event that something goes wrong.

  • Added layers of clothing
  • Gloves, hats, and blankets
  • Flint and steel
  • Matches
  • Flares
  • Tinder
  • A flashlight, Swiss army knife, and/or multi-tool
  • And a first aid kit. Jumper cables are used for a variety of purposes. Solar-powered smartphone charger with a rugged design
  • A snow shovel is a tool used for clearing snow. a variety of canned goods and snacks

6. Things to avoid: pack driving, shoulder breaks, congestion, and jake brakes

It may be lonely to be on the road by yourself, but it is far safer than driving in high traffic on slippery roads. Maintaining a safe space between yourself and other cars will, without a doubt, lessen the likelihood of an accident. Additionally, the shoulders are not a healthy location to be for resting periods. All breaks should be taken at rest areas, truck stops, and parking lots. Avoid busy locations when driving in slick weather to reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring. As a result, the driver’s attentiveness is critical in order to detect potential accidents before they occur.

New drivers should use caution.

Engine brakes work by creating friction within the engine to slow the vehicle down; however, they are not intended for use on ice terrain.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) should be used instead, as they are ideal for driving in ice weather. (3)When the ABS is activated, just step on the brake and keep your foot on the brake while steering in the direction of safety.

7. Just slow down and overestimate customer delivery times

Even if it’s lonely to be on the road by yourself, it’s far safer than being stuck in heavy traffic on ice-covered highways. It goes without saying that maintaining a safe distance from other cars will lessen the danger of an accident. It’s also not a good idea to take breaks on the shoulders. Rest areas, truck stops, and parking lots should be the only places you take breaks. Avoid busy locations and slick surfaces to reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring. As a result, the driver’s ability to recognize potential accidents before they occur becomes critical.

Drivers who are new to the sport should use caution.

When it comes to preserving brake pads, Jake brakes are fantastic, but they are quite risky when it comes to ice.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) should be used instead, as they are ideal for driving in slippery weather.

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