Winter Storm: AAA tips for drivers - WXIX

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Motorists may face a mixed bag of precipitation, ranging from ice and sleet to snow with a winter storm bearing down on the Tri-State.

AAA is urging all drivers to prepare ahead by making sure their tires, battery and windshield wipers are in good condition.

Fill up the gas tank and pack a vehicle emergency kit, if they must travel.

“With travel expected to turn treacherous, the best advice for motorists is to stay home if you don’t need to travel,” says Kara Hitchens, AAA public affairs manager.

“For those who must be on the roads, AAA urges that they adjust their driving behaviors and prepare ahead of time for changing conditions to stay safe as the winter storm moves through the state.”

According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter.

Winter Driving Preparedness

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread. Colder weather typically requires increasing tire pressure. Make sure pressure levels match those found in the owner’s manual or the driver-side door jamb. Note that pressure levels may be different for front versus rear tires. You can easily check your tire tread by doing the quarter test. Take a Washington quarter and insert into the tire tread upside down, with Washington’s head going first. If the top of Washington’s head is visible at any point on the tire, you need new tires.
• Check battery. Starting an engine in cold temperatures can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions. The average battery lasts 3 to 5 years. Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight.
• Check wiper blades. The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. It’s good to keep your vehicle’s tank at least half full in case of an emergency, should you be stranded and need to stay warm. Winter weather can cause unexpected traffic delays, using more gas than you may have anticipated.
• Ensure your AAA membership is up to date if you have one. AAA members should travel with their membership card, download the AAA app to their mobile phone or otherwise have their membership number handy when calling for roadside assistance. Making sure your AAA membership is active to take advantage of roadside assistance is important and as simple as going to AAA.com or stopping in at a AAA retail location.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

You can reduce the chance of a breakdown by keeping your vehicle up-to-date on maintenance and checking to be sure tires and battery are road-ready.

If you break down, AAA says stay as safe and warm as possible while waiting for help to arrive.

AAA research indicates that 40% of motorists do not have emergency kits in their vehicles. No one ever expects to need it, but it’s best to be prepared.”

Many of the winter emergency items listed below―plus pre-assembled winter emergency kits―are available at AAA stores or on the online store at AAA.com.

“Emergency supplies should include whatever you would need to keep you―and your passengers―safe and warm while waiting for help to arrive,” Hitchens says.

AAA Recommended Winter Emergency Kit:

• Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers, including family and emergency services, and a phone charger
• Abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel
• De-icer
• Ice scraper with brush
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves), and blankets
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Drinking water and non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
• If traveling with an infant, be sure to pack extra food and supplies
• First-aid kit
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

Tips for Driving in the Snow

• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the winter weather from indoors.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage, nor leave a running vehicle unattended.
• Drive slowly. Every maneuver takes longer on snow-covered roads. Be aware of the traffic ahead and slow down even more if you start to see brake lights or fish-tailing cars.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids.
• Don’t follow behind other vehicles as closely as you would when driving in clear, dry conditions. Slick roads mean your vehicle cannot slow down as quickly. Increase following distances to 8 seconds or more. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop. Do not tailgate. Try to always keep open space on at least one side of your vehicle, in case you need to make an emergency lane change maneuver.
• Don’t be rough with your steering, acceleration and braking. If you are not gentle with steering, acceleration and braking, your vehicle’s balance can be negatively affected, increasing the chance of experiencing a skid. Always steer, accelerate and brake smoothly.
• Avoid braking on icy roads. Try to brake well ahead of stop signs and traffic lights, preferably in areas of clear pavement. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold braking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, without getting close to vehicles ahead of you, do it.
• Pull over. Whenever visibility is limited or you otherwise feel at risk, pull over at your first opportunity to do so safely.
• Don’t hit the brakes if you start to skid. Slamming on the brakes can make the skid even worse. If you are approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach. Applying pressure to your brakes while on the ice will only throw you into a skid. If you do start to skid, ease off of the accelerator or brake and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
• Never use cruise control on slippery roads. Cruise control will cause you to lose the ability to transfer more weight to the front tire by simply lifting off the accelerator. A driver should always be in full control of their vehicle during poor road conditions.
• Be sure your headlights are on. While many vehicles have automatic headlights, it’s important to be sure you are driving with your lights on to see and be seen.
• Limit distractions. This is important always, But in bad weather, drivers should be looking ahead in anticipation of any unexpected changes in road conditions or traffic.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes. This increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle traction.
• If you get stuck in the snow or go off the road:
  • Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
  • Don’t over-exert yourself: When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.
  • Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
  • Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.
  • Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel.

Slow Down and Move Over for Emergency Vehicles and Disabled Vehicles at the Roadside

It is a state law in Ohio that drivers must “Slow Down and Move Over” a lane, if they can do so safely, whenever they are passing emergencies vehicles at the roadside. This is especially important when roads are wet or snow-covered.

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