DAYTON — With rain, sleet, and snow all in the forecast this week as a winter storm approaches, AAA is urging drivers to be prepared for changing roadway conditions.
“With travel expected to turn treacherous, the best advice for motorists is to stay home if you don’t need to travel,” Kara Hitchens, AAA public affairs manager said in a release. “For those who must be on the roads, AAA urges that they adjust their driving behaviors and prepare ahead of time for changing conditions to stay safe as the winter storm moves through the state.”
>>What We Know: Winter Storm warning, watch issued for region; Accumulating ice, snow expected
They provided the following tips to help keep drivers safe:
Winter driving preparedness:
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread: colder weather typically requires increasing tire pressure; make sure pressure levels match those found in the owner’s manual or the driver-side doorjamb
- Check your car battery: starting an engine in cold temperatures can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions; make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight
- Check wiper blades: the blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe
- Keep your gas tank at least half full
In the case your vehicle does break down in winter weather it’s important to keep warm and safe, Hitchen suggests always having a winter weather emergency kit prepared.
“AAA research indicates that 40 percent of motorists do not have emergency kits in their vehicles. No one ever expects to need it, but it’s best to be prepared,” Hitchens said.
AAA suggests items like extra water and food, a flashlight, extra warm clothes, a first aid kit and a snow shovel in your kit.
>> Stay Alert: Download the free WHIO weather app
Lastly, in the case you have to travel during a winter storm, AAA shared tips for driving in the snow and if you get stuck or go off the roadway.
Tips for driving in the snow:
- Stay home: If you really don’t have to go out, don’t
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage, nor leave a running vehicle unattended
- Drive slowly: every maneuver takes longer on snow-covered roads: be aware of traffic ahead and slow down even more if you start to see brake lights or fish-tailing cars
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly: applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids
- Don’t follow behind other vehicles as closely as you would when driving in clear, dry conditions: slick roads mean your vehicle cannot slow down as quickly, Increase following distances to 8 seconds or more.
- Don’t be rough with your steering, acceleration and braking: your vehicle’s balance can be negatively affected, increasing the chance of experiencing a skid
- Avoid braking on icy roads: Try to brake well ahead of stop signs and traffic lights, preferably in areas of clear pavement; whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold braking
- Don’t stop if you can avoid it: there’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling
- Pullover: Whenever visibility is limited or you otherwise feel at risk, pull over at your first opportunity to do so safely
- Don’t hit the brakes if you start to skid: slamming on the brakes can make the skid even worse; If you are approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach
- If you do start to skid, ease off of the accelerator or brake and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
- Never use cruise control on slippery roads: cruise control will cause you to lose the ability to transfer more weight to the front tire by simply lifting off the accelerator
- Be sure your headlights are on: while many vehicles have automatic headlights, it’s important to be sure you are driving with your lights on to see and be seen
- Limit distractions: this is important always, But in bad weather, drivers should be looking ahead in anticipation of any unexpected changes in road conditions or traffic
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes: this increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle traction
>> Snow, sleet and freezing rain: What determines type of winter precipitation?
If you get stuck in the snow or go off the road:
- Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
- Don’t over-exert yourself: When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired
- Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress; at night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
- Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps; pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency
- Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel
- Slow Down and Move Over for Emergency Vehicles and Disabled Vehicles at the Roadside
Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 roadway deaths every winter, according to research by AAA.
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