Winter Driving Safety Information

Safe winter driving tips*

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.

• Pay attention. Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
  
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
  
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
  
• Know the current road conditions. Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Don’t stomp on the brakes. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.

• Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.

• Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

• Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop.

• Don’t get overconfident with your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.

• Don’t pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer".
  
• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and gives you that split-second extra time to safely react.
  
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
  
• Go slow! Drive according to conditions.

Prepare your vehicle for winter driving

Reliable transportation is especially important in the winter. Not only should you keep your vehicle in top operating condition all year round - for safety and fuel economy - it is especially important to get it winterized to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous situations while traveling in frigid weather.

Check the following:
• Ignition system
• Fuel system
• Belts
• Fluid levels
• Brakes
• Exhaust system
• Wiper blades and windshield washer fluid
• Snow tires
• Tire tread and pressure
• Defroster
• Proper grade oil
• Cooling system
• Battery
• Lights
• Antifreeze

Always fill the gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance, and stop to fill up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping your tank as full as possible will minimize condensation, providing the maximum advantage in case of trouble.

• A citizens band (CB) radio and/or cellular phone can be very useful to you or another stranded motorist in case of an emergency.
• Drive with your headlights on.
• Stock your car with basic winter driving equipment: a scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction.
• Include road flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing, and flashlight with batteries.

*Source: Washington State DOT

If you don’t see safety information on this page that you think should be here please email us: info@safedrives.com.

Thank you,

And be safe,

Safe Drives Staff

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