Safety Tips for Winter Driving
By Gary Hanson, President, American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc
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The potential for bad weather at this time of year brings with it an increased threat of vehicle accidents. This is the most dangerous time of the year. Inclement weather is a major factor in many of the serious accidents that occur each year. The Ohio Department of Highway Safety indicated that over 30,000 vehicular accidents occurred during snowy and icy road conditions, which resulted in around 9,000 injuries. Another 58,310 crashes occurred on rainy days, which resulted in 20,546 injuries and 162 deaths. It is important to be alert at all times when driving, but it is even more important during this time of the year. The days are shorter reducing the amount of sunlight. There is an increase in the amount of rain. Snowstorms can come up suddenly and cold weather can cause icy conditions. The possibility of fog and sun glare also increases, making driving much more difficult and dangerous. We have little control over the weather, but we can adjust the way we drive. Always be alert and apply good driving sense. The following is a list of safe driving tips that we can follow. Read through each area carefully and incorporate these into your winter driving behavior. SAFETY TIPS FOR SUB-FREEZING WEATHER Wear a complete set of outdoor winter clothing, including good boots and a face mask. Check the vehicle’s heater. Use freeze resistant wiper blades. Maintain proper tire pressure. Get an engine block heater if your vehicle will set outside. Have a set of good gloves, face mask, hat, ear muffs and wool blanket available. Have a cellular phone available in case of an emergency. Have other safety supplies available such as warning devices, small snow shovel, ice scraper, flashlight, booster cables, small bag of sand, towing chain or cable, traction mats, first aid kit and jack and lug wrench. DRIVING IN THE RAIN Always use your windshield wipers Coat your windshield with a rain clearing solution Slow down especially on curves and keep an extra space between the vehicle in front of you Avoid sudden moves and emergency stops if possible Be aware of the possibility of hydroplaning in heavy rain Drive slowly through puddles and keep gentle pressure on the brakes to prevent the brake lines from getting wet DRIVING IN SNOW AND ICE Always accelerate slowly and smoothly Avoid sudden turns that might cause a skid Be alert to black ice that forms on bridges and in shaded areas Drive on fresh snow where possible if you suspect ice in the tracks left by vehicles before you Pay attention to road warning signs Slow down where necessary When braking start early, let off of the accelerator slowly and apply the brakes gently Never brake and try to steer at the same time When going down a hill gently apply the brakes to maintain a slower more controlled descent When climbing a hill keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Do not accelerate on the incline if possible DRIVING IN FOG Gradually reduce your speed if you can not see in front of you Turn on your low beams Turn off the radio and listen carefully; roll down the windows a crack If necessary, use your horn to let drivers know of your presence Don’t stop unless absolutely necessary Pull over to the side of the road if necessary and turn out lights and turn on flashers Always use common sense. Inspect your vehicle regularly, adjust your time schedule for bad weather, and make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Use your headlights in bad weather and stay alert and expect the unexpected. The life you save may be your own. If you have any questions or need assistance with your Safety Program, please give me a call at 1-800-356-1274. [back]