WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Brad Altman
State Patrol, WI Dept of Transportation
Copyright: State of Wisconsin Employee Health & Safety Newsletter

As fall sets in, remember that another winter season will soon be upon
us. Unpredictable snow falls, chilling temperatures and icy conditions
are reminders that with the changing season, we also need to change our
driving habits. Your best defense is to prepare before the first
snowfall.

Is your vehicle ready for winter driving? You should consider several
items. Has your vehicle's battery been changed within the last four
years? Change the anti-freeze every two years to assure good cold
weather starts and continued service. Are the tires in good condition
with adequate tread and are they made for winter driving? Replace
windshield wipers with winter wipers as a summer in the hot sun can
break down their effectiveness. Check your wiper fluid at every
re-fueling and keep extra fluid on hand.

If you become involved in an accident or slide into a ditch, is your
vehicle properly equipped? Items you should carry in your vehicle during
the winter include: extra blankets or a sleeping bag, extra clothes and
boots, nonperishable food items, a first aid kit, a flash light with
working batteries, jumper cables, and a cellular phone.

If you are planning a trip during inclement weather, justify the trip
prior to leaving. Is the trip worth risking your vehicle or yourself and
others? If you must go, obtain road and weather conditions from
television and radio sources. Call your destination prior to leaving and
tell them when you are leaving and the route you are taking, especially
if you are traveling out of state. That makes it easier for police to
look for you. The most important aspect to successful winter driving is
to take your time!

As you drive, try to see "the big picture". Monitor all traffic,
including traffic behind you. Look past the vehicle directly in front of
you. Anticipate rather than needing to brake. Try to monitor road
conditions as you travel. Bridges and overpasses are the first areas to
become hazardous. Proceed over these areas with extra caution. Remember,
roads that appear wet can still be icy. Finally, salting roads does not
guarantee safe roads. Salt works optimally when winds are calm,
temperatures are over 20 F, and the salt has ample time to melt the ice.

If you are involved in an accident or stuck on the highway, there are
some important tips to remember. Stay inside your vehicle, especially in
slippery situations. It is very likely that if your vehicle slid into a
ditch, another vehicle could do the same. Your vehicle will provide you
with shelter and added protection. If you have a cell phone, dial 911.
Provide the following information: your location as exactly as possible;
whether there are any injuries and if so, the type, nature and severity;
the number of vehicles involved; and if there is any road blockage. If
you must leave your vehicle, leave a note on the dash stating the
direction you took. That way police or other rescue vehicles will have
an idea where to look for you.

If you see someone else in an accident or in a stuck along the highway,
try to determine if stopping would be safe for you. If not, use your
cell phone and dial 911 giving the information listed above. Or go to
the next exit or safe area to call from there.