As a winter storm makes its way through the Miami Valley, the AAA Roadside Rescue Team is reminding motorists to be prepared for dangerous road conditions.
According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter storms, bad weather and hazardous road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter in the U.S.
“Even small amounts of snow can cause big headaches on area roadways,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA spokeswoman.
Hitchens also stated in a release that because of COVID-19, speeding has become a serious problem and that motorists need to slow down and take extra precautions during wintry weather conditions.
AAA offers the following winter driving tips:
- Turn off cruise control: Avoid using cruise control when driving in wet or icy conditions.
- Buckle up: Each and every passenger (including pets) should be properly restrained.
- Put down the phone: Eliminate all distractions while driving including phones and other electronic devices
- Move Over: Remember the “Move Over” law when first responders, waste collection workers and emergency roadside assistance workers are assisting motorists along multi-lane roadways.
- See and be seen: Remove snow/ice from the hood, roof, truck, lights, windows and mirrors.
- Slow down and give yourself more room: Increase following distance to at least 10 seconds.
- Stay in your lane: Avoid changing lanes, especially if snow and ice are built up between lanes
- Accelerate gently: If tires lose grip and start to spin, let off on the accelerator.
- Pay close attention on hills: When approaching a hill observe how other drivers are responding and keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you so that you will not have to slow down or stop. Once you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed as slowly as possible.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes: A skid can occur when you apply the brakes so hard that one or more wheels lock. Should a skid occur try to remain calm and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
- Get Your Car Winter Ready
AAA also recommends that motorists check the following vehicle systems during harsh weather conditions:
- Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather.
- Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance.
- Engine: Have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. Engine hoses and belts should be inspected for wear or cracking.
- Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recommended intervals.
- Exhaust: Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.
- Brakes: Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly.
- Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper.
- Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses
>>> Winter Weather Awareness: What to have in your emergency car kit
According to the AAA release, more than 40 percent of motorists do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle, which can come in handy if the situation arises.
Cox Media Group
