Winter Travel Safety

While National Impaired Driving Prevention Month highlights the dangers of substance use, the transition into winter weather introduces an entirely new set of life-threatening hazards on the road. December, January, and February often bring hazardous conditions like ice, heavy snow, and reduced daylight, turning routine commutes into high-risk events.

Winter Travel Safety is not just about avoiding accidents; it’s about proactive preparedness to survive an unexpected breakdown or severe storm. We must secure three critical areas: the vehicle, the driver’s technique, and emergency readiness.

This information focuses on preparing your car, mastering careful driving maneuvers on slick surfaces, and equipping yourself with the essentials needed to stay safe and warm should you become stranded.

Vehicle Preparation (Winterize Your Ride)

Before you leave, ensure your vehicle is ready for cold and slick conditions:

• Tires: Check tire pressure (it can drop in the cold) and tread depth. If you experience frequent snow/ice, consider switching to snow tires for better grip than all-season tires.
• Fluids: Top off the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter-grade solution that contains antifreeze. Check your engine coolant/antifreeze levels.
• Visibility Systems: Ensure headlights, taillights, and turn signals are clean and working perfectly.
• Battery: Cold weather severely impacts battery performance. Have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge and start reliably.
• Fuel Tank: Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. This prevents condensation from freezing in your fuel lines and provides extra weight for better traction.

Driving Techniques for Ice and Snow

The key to winter driving is smooth, slow, and anticipatory maneuvering.

• Speed & Distance:
  • Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly. Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions.
  • Increase Following Distance: Allow 8 to 10 seconds (or more) between you and the car ahead, rather than the usual 3 seconds.
• Smooth Movements: All actions must be gentle and gradual to maintain traction:
  • Accelerate Gently: Avoid spinning your tires.
  • Brake Early: Do not slam on the brakes.
  • Steering: Make slow, deliberate turns.
• Braking on Ice:
  • With ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System): Apply firm, steady pressure to the pedal. Do not pump the brakes; the system will pulse for you.
  • Without ABS: Use “cadence braking” – pump the brakes gently just before the wheels lock up.
• Skid Control: If you start to slide, ease off the accelerator and steer into the skid (in the direction you want the front of the car to go). Do not slam the brakes.
• Hazard Awareness:
  • Avoid Cruise Control: Never use it on slippery roads.
  • Watch for Black Ice: Roads that look merely wet or glossy, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, can have nearly invisible ice.
  • Snow Plows: Stay far behind snow plows (at least 200 feet) and never attempt to pass them on the left.

Emergency Preparedness (If You Get Stranded)

Always carry a Winter Car Emergency Kit and know what to do if you become stuck or disabled:

• Warmth Supplies: Blankets, extra hats, gloves, and hand warmers. If the car breaks down, the heat stops immediately.
• Traction/Escape Tools: Small snow shovel, sand, kitty litter, or salt (to place under tires for traction).
• Visibility & Communication: Flashlight with extra batteries, road flares/reflective triangles, and a fully charged cell phone/charger.
• Vehicle Tools: Jumper cables or a self-contained battery jump starter, ice scraper, and brush.
• Sustenance: Bottled water and non-perishable, high-calorie snacks.
• First Aid: A basic first-aid kit.

If You Become Stuck:

1. Stay with your vehicle: It’s shelter and easier for rescuers to spot.
2. Clear the exhaust pipe: Ensure snow or ice is not blocking the tailpipe to prevent deadly Carbon Monoxide (CO) buildup inside the cabin.
3. Conserve Fuel: Run the engine/heater only periodically – just long enough to remove the chill.

Winter driving safety boils down to respecting the elements and being ready for the unexpected. Remember that your car handles drastically differently on snow and ice; always assume traction is lower than it appears. By being proactive in preparation and mindful in your driving, you significantly reduce the risk of accidents, serious injury, and the dangers associated with being stranded in the cold.

SCM would like to wish you, your team, and family a safe and happy holiday season!