With the upcoming winter weather headed towards the Miami Valley, AAA is urging motorists to prepare.
To start, filling up the gas tank and packing a vehicle emergency kit are great ways to prepare.
“AAA urges motorists to use the calm before the storm to prepare their vehicles by filling up their gas tanks and packing a vehicle emergency kit,” Kara Hitchens, AAA spokesperson. “No one ever plans to get stuck. Preparation can make all the difference, as a typical 15-minute drive could take much longer, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours.”
>>Your headlights may not safely light roadways; Standards to be updated
AAA says packing an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle allows easier access to it if the need arises.
What to include in a Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit:
- Emergency kit items to include – deicer, shovel, ice scraper, sand, or kitty litter (for traction)
- Pack a blanket, extra gloves, and hat, heavy coat – if you’re stuck on the road for an extended period of time you’ll need to stay warm, especially if your vehicle is not running
- Pack snacks, beverages, etc. – have them packed by the door to take in the morning (so they don’t freeze in the car overnight)
- Charge your cell phone – have a backup power source for the car in case you’re stuck for a while
- Make sure your windshield wipers and lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals) are working properly – make sure you can see and can be seen
- Keep a FULL tank of gas
“AAA urges motorists to use caution if driving in snow,” noted Hitchens “The key to arriving safely is to clean off your vehicle, slow down and leave plenty of extra room between you and the cars around you.”
>> AAA: Tips to help protect your car from theft
Motorists are advised to follow these safety tips when driving in winter conditions:
- Remove all snow from your vehicle, including the roof, hood, and trunk. While driving, snow can blow off a car onto the windshield of a nearby vehicle, temporarily blinding that driver’s vision. (PA law requires motorists to clean their cars off completely so snow and ice do not dislodge while driving).
- Slow down. Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Accelerate, turn and brake gradually.
- Do not tailgate. Normal following distances of three to four seconds on dry pavement should be a minimum of five to six seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary.
- Never use cruise control on slippery roads, as you lose the ability to transfer more weight to the front tire by simply lifting off the accelerator. A driver should always be in full control of their vehicle during poor road conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes. This increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle traction.
Minimize the need to brake on ice. If you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light, or other areas where ice often forms, brake early on the clear pavement to reduce speed. Vehicle control is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.