Reliable transportation is especially
important in the winter. If you have a car,
make sure it is ready for whatever winter may
bring. The following precautions may help you
avoid an unpleasant or dangerous situation
while traveling.
You should keep your car in top operating
condition all year round. It is especially
important to winterize you car by checking
the following:
-
Ignition system, fuel system, brakes,
battery, exhaust system, wiper blades,
lights, antifreeze, defroster, tire tread,
proper grade oil, snow tires, cooling
system, heater, and chains.
-
Keep the gasoline tank full, if possible.
-
Carry a winter storm car kit, especially if
traveling long distances. Among other
things, a winter storm kit should include:
-
Matches and candles , first-aid kit,
flashlight, shovel, tire chains, food
supply, transistor radio, jumper
cables, and sleeping bag
-
Clothesline rope', 25 to 50 feet long.
If a person must get out of a vehicle to
remove snow from around the exhaust pipe
or for any other reason, they should tie
the line around your waist and to the door
handle, steering wheel (door will usually
close on it), or some other strong place
on the vehicle. Then if you fall down or
slide down a bank or ditch you can use
the rope to find your way back to your vehicle.
If you must use your car during a winter
storm:
-
Plan your travel
-
Check the latest weather information on
your NOAA weather radio
-
Slow down and increase your following
distance. The braking distance for road
surfaces with rain, snow, and ice can be
from three to nine times greater than
stopping distances on dry, clear roads. Icy
conditions may also obscure lane marking
and traffic signs.
-
Remember a bridge or overpass gets slick
and icy before the roads do since bridge
temperatures are five to six degrees colder
than the roadway.
-
Stop gradually. Do not make any sudden
moves with the steering wheel, brakes or
accelerator.
If at all possible, stay off the roads when
winter weather warnings or advisories are
issued.
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Winter Weather page
