Our weather has been balmy and calm but we all know that severe conditions will be upon us soon. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, black ice and even rain can all be dangerous conditions that make for frightening automobile travel. Being cautious and following winter driving tips and safety rules for driving in bad weather can help prevent winter road emergencies.
Growing up in Darien in the 60’s, we never had a winter emergency kit in the car, we also didn’t wear seatbelts, ashtrays were always full, and carpool kids were packed in, even in the way way back of the station wagon (always more fun for the view out the back window). My memory is such that back then we didn’t often travel during storms though there was that time when my mother, very pregnant with my sister, shoveled out the car so she could drive into town to get a carton of cigarettes. And there was a holiday that commanded an appearance at my grandparents in Bronxville, never mind the half foot plus of snow that had fallen. In retrospect, we now know we should have been wearing seatbelts, not been breathing in second hand smoke, and should have been prepared with emergency supply items stocked in the vehicle, and certainly not been traveling during storms. We should have taken these and other safety precautions but that was another time.
While living in Sun Valley, Idaho, I followed certain precautions for winter: kept the car tuned and battery inspected, mounted 4 studded snow tires, made sure the gas tank always at least half full, and if driving home during a storm (a common experience) made sure to connect with someone so it was known that I “arrived”. Cars were routinely outfitted in early November, in my case the Volvo station wagon with: tire chains, tube sands placed above the rear axel, new flares, flash lights with extra batteries, a heavy-duty sleeping bag, sturdy boots and heavy socks, hat and mittens, heavy coat (none of these garments were fashionable just good for heat retention), along with candy, pretzels and energy bars. Cat litter in10 pound bags were helpful to traction vehicles out of snow skids. Though not much mentioned, a plastic container for bathroom needs, was kept in the car! Water bottles were always in cars but of course subject to freezing during the day, never mind overnight! The expectation was to be prepared if the vehicle went off the road or got stuck somewhere- load the vehicle properly with food and warm clothing to give yourself a chance to get through a period of subzero weather conditions while stranded– which thankfully I never experienced. Actually not true – how could I forget being stranded at a friend’s house after a snow avalanche buried the only road out of the valley. Eventually heavy machinery cleared out the pass and all the cars that were buried but I still needed chains on my studded snow tires to get through the rough passage, and it was a couple of days before my head cleared of “7 Brides for 7 Brothers” winter long stranding nightmares.
Because of our tempered weather this fall, we might think that we don’t need (or we forget) to prepare for winter, however recent years have certainly proven that no matter how mild the fall, storms will arrive and be fierce. Whether it’s a cross-state journey or errands in-and-around town, it’s best to be prepared for navigating winter’s potentially dangerous roads.
If you are not covered by an emergency assistance program with your auto insurance policy, check out AAA for information on their Roadside Assistance plan that is available for just $49 a year. A jumpstart, tow and other emergency care is covered and certainly a wise and inexpensive investment in your winter (and all year 24/7) safety. Additional vehicle Roadside Assistance policy coverage makes a great and appreciated holiday gift for family and friends!
Griffith Harris Insurance suggests reviewing your current auto insurance policy to understand what your plan covers and what your deductible is. “Most auto policies will cover towing and labor only if the vehicle has been in an accident (crash),” says Griff Harris, President, Griffith Harris Insurance, a locally owned insurance service company. “Read and understand what is covered.” Harris further stated that he has AAA Roadside Assistance coverage and wouldn’t be without it.
Along with following AAA winter driving tips, make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions by having a car service center check the battery, fluids, and of course make sure your tires are either snow tires or good all-season tires for traction and control on the road.
Have a happy and safe holiday and winter season! Don’t forget that there is always the option to get away to somewhere warm without snow and cold!
AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:
• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
Tips for long-distance winter trips:
• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna 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.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.
Tips for driving in the snow:
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• 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. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
AAA Roadside Assistance will come to your assistance (with the membership) if you experience any difficulty that renders your car, or a car in which you are riding, inoperative or unsafe to drive. The car can be at your home, on a public highway, driveway, parking area or garage, as long as it is accessible to a AAA service vehicle. It is a 24/7 service that operates on holiday, Sundays, early in the morning or late at night when most service stations are closed.
