• 12
  • January
    2012

This is the third post in a four-part series focused on winter driving safety.

In addition to checking the wiper blades and exhaust in order to prevent injury to yourself and your passengers, there are a number of other items on your vehicle that should be regularly serviced - especially as the weather grows colder and more severe.

Other vehicle parts that should be periodically checked are the belts, fans, brake lines and brake pads. Keeping a safe driving distance behind other vehicles is important as well as adding time for any commute. If the brakes fail, even extra time and increased following distance will not be enough. To avoid a potentially serious crash, make sure brakes are in excellent condition leading into the winter months.

As the roads become snowy and icy, many drivers begin to encounter sliding and skidding, particularly during turns. Many new vehicles have traction systems built-in to control some of the skidding by putting extra power to certain tires. When a driver begins to slide during a turn, the best rule is to turn into the skid and to anticipate the next skid as the car begins to straighten out.

Finally, drivers should keep blankets, warm clothes and a first aid kit in the vehicle. If a driver gets stranded in freezing temperatures, having these items and even snacks and other tools can help during an emergency. Many drivers even keep a shovel and jumper cables to get out of the ditch or to jump start the vehicle. All of these safety precautions will pay dividends if an emergency occurs.

For more on winter survival safety, check out our final post in this series that examines how technology in the form of a smartphone app could help save you in the event that you are stranded in your car in sub-zero temps or stormy winter conditions.

Source: Herald-Tribune, "KHP offers some winter driving tips," 12/24/11.