Winter is Coming: Tips for Safe Driving

When heading out in the winter, make sure to check the weather and road conditions first. It’s imperative to check your brakes and tire tread as soon as possible. Maintain a follow distance of 8-10 seconds between you and other cars; keeping this safe distance will give you more time to react if either of you lose control of your vehicles. Accelerate and decelerate slowly, as sudden movements may be slowed by ice or snow, leading to accidents.

Lastly, be aware of black ice. Black ice occurs when ice on the roads melts and then quickly re-freezes, soaking into the surface of the road. Black ice is almost impossible to see from afar, so always drive at a slow speed if conditions are icy. If your car becomes trapped in snow, signal distress with a brightly colored cloth tied to the antenna or in a rolled up window while you wait for help to arrive. This is when stored blankets and warm clothing can keep you comfortable while you wait.

Additional Tips & Tricks

1. Keep a bag of cat litter in your car. If your car becomes stuck in ice, place the litter underneath your tires to gain traction. 2. Invest in a windshield scraper to remove ice. 3. NEVER pour water on your windshield to remove the ice - this will shatter your windshield.

Build an emergency roadside kit:

Jumper cables

Salt or cat litter

Flashlight

First aid kit

Snow brush

Ice scraper

Blankets, mittens, socks, and hats

Keep this kit in your car at all times in case of emergency!

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