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Road Rules: Tips for Safe Travel in Winter

The winter storm that swept through Illinois Sunday contributed to numerous automobile accidents on rural roads. At least two accidents involved cars colliding with utility poles.

The weekend was a reminder of the dangers posed by driving in winter weather.

Your best defense against the elements is early preparation. Tune into weather forecasts throughout the day. If the forecast calls for ice or snow, stock up on groceries, medication and other necessities, then wait for the streets to clear before venturing outside.

When staying home isn’t practical, use defensive driving measures when you’re on the road. Don’t focus solely on your driving; mind those driving around you. Is the car in front of you moving too fast? Is the driver behind you impatient? Do you have time and space to react if they lose control?

 If you’re considering a long commute, before you leave, log on to http://dot.state.il.us and http://www.weather.com. You’ll find weather warnings, forecasts, and road condition updates for Illinois and Interstates around the U.S.

Before you log on, review these tips from the American Automobile Association. They’ll help you navigate our rural roads safely.

Pre-Trip Planning

To minimize the chances of a weather-related delay, plan ahead with safety in mind. Always be sure to check the forecast; if a winter storm is predicted for the area in which you will be driving, ask yourself if the trip is necessary.

Assemble an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small shovel, an ice scraper, traction material, antifreeze, blankets, nonperishable food, and a first aid kit.

Starting the Car

An owner’s manual is your best source of information when it comes to starting your car in cold weather, but here are a few rules of thumb:

Be sure to turn off all accessories (radio, heater, lights etc.) before starting your car. This will maximize your battery’s starting power. If your car has a fuel injection system, don’t press the accelerator pedal. For carbureted cars, pump the accelerator once before attempting to start the vehicle. Then turn the key and hold it for a few seconds. Continuing to grind the starter can damage the mechanism and flood the engine.

 WINTER DRIVING CHECK LIST

Winter driving requires patience, practice and technique. To minimize the dangers associated with winter driving, both you and your vehicle need to be prepared. Approach winter driving with the right frame of mind and always drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions.

Here are other precautions to keep in mind:

• ● Always wear seat belts.
• ● Brush ice and snow from your windows, license plates and lights, and clear snow from your vehicle’s hood, roof and trunk—snow and ice clinging to your ca presents a hazard to other drivers.
• ● Go slow. Posted speed limits assume dry, clear conditions. You’ll need to deduct speed and add time to your commute.
• ● Watch for slick spots under bridges and on overpasses.
• ● Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing (and you’ll have more heater time while you wait for help should you wind up in a snowbank).

If your car doesn’t make it to your destination, use the following tips to stay safe until help arrives:

• ● To reduce your risk of being hit by another vehicle, pull as far off the road as possible.
• ● Signal that you’re in trouble by opening your hood and turning on your vehicle’s emergency flashers. Place a “Call Police” sign in your rear window.
• ● Stay in your car. Avoid the temptation of accepting a ride with a stranger. If someone offers help, ask him     or her to notify the police if you don’t have a cellular phone. Leave only with a marked police car or a state or city emergency vehicle.
• ● Don’t walk or hitchhike, both of which invite trouble. You could get caught in a storm or be forced into a dangerous situation involving strangers.