Safety Driving Tips for Winter Session

The following tips to keep you and your family safe while driving in winter weather:

No matter the season, drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal.

Make sure your vehicle is in good working order.

Have working wiper blades

Fill up on antifreeze and window-washer fluid

Check for proper tire inflation

Ensure your battery has sufficient charge

Keep an emergency kit ready in your vehicle. It should include:

A blanket or warm clothes (boots, coat, gloves)

A flashlight

Jumper cables

Tow rope

Shovel

Bag of sand or cat litter for traction

Battery-operated radio

State map to use in case of a detour

Snacks such as raisins, candy bars or other items that store well

To avoid slipping off the roadway, drive more slowly and give yourself more room to stop.

Brake gently to prevent skidding



If your vehicle does get stuck:

Never spin your wheels. That only digs the tires in more deeply

Use a shovel to dig around the wheels and undercarriage

Turn the steering wheel from side to side to clear snow away from the front tires

Gently ease the vehicle out



If that doesn't work, try rocking the vehicle by shifting into forward and giving it some gas and then shifting it into reverse and accelerating until the vehicle is free

Let other people know your travel plans so if you don't arrive they'll know where to start looking.
Tell people the route you plan to take

Make sure your vehicle has fresh air if you become stuck by checking the exhaust system to see if it's plugged by snow.
Open a window or turn off your car if necessary

Carbon monoxide produced by your vehicle is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill