Health e-Living Blog

Winter Driving Safety

November 30, 2018

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Community News Emergency Medicine Holidays Occupational Health Physical Therapy Safety

Winter Driving Safety Tips for residents of Chester County, PA.

It is getting to be that time of year again! And while we have had one early snowstorm already here in Chester County, PA, it should serve as a reminder to us all about the dangers of driving in the snow and those actions we can take to maximize safety for all of us while we drive.

In the event of ice or snow, it is better to stay home or delay your driving until road crews have plowed and prepped the roads, but that is not always possible. Below are a few tips to prepare both you and your car for driving in potentially unsafe conditions.

Get a tune-up while it is still fall. Get your battery checked, your brakes adjusted and fluids topped off.
Good tires are essential! It is recommended that a tire tread have at least 6/32-inch depth for adequate snow traction. Ultra-high performance tires have little to no traction in the snow. The best option is to use snow tires IF you are driving on roads regularly covered with snow.
Check your vision. Replace wiper blades and clean both the inside and outside of windshields. Products such as Rain-X^TM can repel water on windshields and outside mirrors. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is filled with anti-icing agents.
Remove condensation and frost from the inside by running your air conditioner (can use hot air) with the fresh air option.
Use your headlights so other cars can see you. Make sure both headlights and taillights are free of snow.
Watch for "black ice." Look carefully for slick road surfaces or puddles in cold weather. This is often a thin sheet of ice that is very slippery and dangerous.
Do not use cruise control or overdrive when driving in slippery conditions.
Be careful when driving over bridges as they often freeze faster than road surfaces.
Drive the speed of other vehicles. Give yourself more space in front of you (three times the distance normally given) and brake gently.

Winter Safety Equipment and Supplies to Have Available:

Snow shovel
Scraper with a brush on one end
Tow chain/strap
Tire chains
Flashlight with extra batteries
Abrasive material (i.e. cat litter, sand) – for traction if stuck in the snow
Jumper cables
Warning devices (i.e. road flares, warning triangles)
Brightly colored cloths to signal for help
First aid supplies
Warm layers (i.e. blankets, hats, mittens)
High energy non-perishable food, water, matches, etc.
Phone

To Get Unstuck:

Use traction aids under the tires – mats, sand, cat litter, etc.
Turn wheels side to side a few times to push the snow out of the way. While in the lowest forward gear, keep a light touch on the gas and ease forward. Do not spin your wheels – that just digs you in deeper.
Rock the car forward and backward by gently shifting between forward and reverse (check your owner’s manual first as this may damage transmissions in some vehicles).

If You Get Stranded:

Stay with your vehicle.
Run the engine for heat – once every 30-60 minutes. Clean the snow away from the tail pipe to avoid a potentially deadly buildup of carbon monoxide. Leave a window opened a little. Clear the outside heater vents (the grill under the windshield).
Call for help or signal to passing motorists.

If You Skid:

For back-wheel skids, turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. As the rear wheels correct to the other direction, gently ease the steering wheel to that side. If your car has anti-lock brakes, keep your foot on the pedal. If it does not, pump the brake pedal gently, increasing the speed of the pumping as the car slows down
For front-wheel skids, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral. As the wheel skids sideways, the car will slow and traction will return. Steer in the direction you want to go. Shift to drive and gentle accelerate.

Check Out These Winter Driving Safety Resources:

By being cautious and prepared, your winter driving experiences will hopefully be safe and enjoyable!

Related Information from Chester County Hospital:

About this Blog

Chester County Hospital's Health e-Living Blog offers a regular serving of useful health and lifestyle information for the residents of Chester County, PA and the surrounding region.