Polk Township Vol. Fire Dept.
Winter Driving Tips
Remember our first snow a few weeks ago? The news reported many slide-offs, fender-benders, and accidents. We all forget to adjust our driving style when the first snow falls. Road conditions can change in a matter of minutes! The same clear roads you traveled yesterday can become slippery and icy the very next morning. Don't forget these simple winter defensive driving tips.
Fasten Your Seat belts!!!
Time and Space
Give yourself extra time to reach your destination and don't let other drivers force you to rush. Always drive slower on slippery roads; they don't provide near the traction like when they are dry! Give yourself extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. You may need the extra stopping distance.See you , see me
Make sure that all the snow is clean from your windows. Also brush the snow from the hood that could easily blow up onto the windshield. Make sure your windows are defrosted. Also make sure that your headlights and taillights are visible. Ice and snow can easily hide a turn signal or brake light. Also a few days of salt, sand a road grime can easily cover your light lenses.Avoiding Skids
Drive smoothly. Turn the steering wheel and apply the brakes gingerly. Abrupt movements of the steering wheel and brakes cause skids. Never slam on the brakes, you can lose complete steering control. Pump the brake pedal rapidly for quick stops on icy roads if your car doesn't have anti-lock brakes. If your car does have anti-lock brakes; hold the brake pedal down firmly and let the car's computer pump the brakes for you.If your car does skid, slowly turn in the direction of the skid to bring it into a straight line. Here's an old racing tip: If you are in a skid, always look in the spot you want to go. Because you your hands and thus your steering follow your eyes.
Get your car ready
Make sure your vehicle is prepared. Do you have plenty of tread on your tires. If not, replace them. Make sure you have the correct tire inflation. Lower inflated tires do not provide a better grip on the road! Are your brakes safe and functioning properly? If not, have them worked on. Has your cooling system and belts been checked lately? Is your heater and defroster working properly? Do you have a snow brush/ice scraper? Do you have any supplies in the trunk in case you become stranded? Please take the time to prepare your car as well as yourself.They Got A Job To Do
Please give the snowplow drivers room to do their job. Without them, we wouldn't be able to travel the roads, get to work, or make trips to the store. Give them plenty of room; don't tailgate them. Be extra careful when trying to pass them and don't cut them off. These drivers put in many long hours to keep the roads safe for us all, don't make it harder for them.Let's all take the time during the rest of this Winter season and practice safe driving. Be courteous. Give yourself extra time. Wear your seat belts. Drive slower, Be careful and let's all arrive alive!
John D. Einhorn