SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

December 7, 2007 – With snow and ice starting to accumulate, the Midland Police Department offers some helpful tips on how to drive safely on winter roads.

Safe winter driving comes down to three simple things: time, distance and awareness. If you work at all three, you will likely have a much safer driving experience on snow- and ice-covered roads.

Time: Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Don't try to rush in bad weather. This can create more of a hazard, and, in the end, speeding does not save you time.

Distance: Leave a lot of it between you and the car in front of you. Stopping distance is increased on wet, snowy and icy roads. The normal dry pavement following distance of 2-3 seconds should be increased to 8-10 seconds. This increased margin of safety in front will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

Awareness: Be aware of road conditions and how they can affect your driving. The same problems you are having are being experienced by everyone else on the road. Drive for the other guy. Count to three before accelerating after a traffic signal changes from red to green. At a stop sign, do the same. See if anyone is coming, and judge the speed at which they are traveling. Ask yourself if vehicles around you are starting to slide and skid, or otherwise lose control.

Another thing to consider before heading out in your vehicle is whether or not you have the right equipment to aid in any emergencies that may arise on the road:

• You should have an emergency kit in your vehicle that consists of candles and matches or lighter, First Aid kit, flashlight with working batteries, food and water, a cell phone, and a blanket.
• A spare tire in good working order should be stored in your trunk.
• Pack a help sign to use if you are stranded somewhere and/or in need of help.
• Keep a shovel and bag of dirt or kitty litter in your trunk to help you get out of ruts.
• Keep a set of jumper cables in your trunk.
• Have an extra set of dry, warm clothes – including boots, hats, and mittens – in your vehicle.

If you lose control of your vehicle while on icy or snowy surfaces, follow these helpful tips:

• Rear wheel drive vehicles: Turn into the skid and give just a little gas.
• Front wheel drive vehicles: Turn into the skid and accelerate.
• Four wheel drive vehicles: If you are skidding in a four-wheel drive vehicle, you should reconsider being on the road!

If you crash:

• Call 911 and stay with your car.
• If you cannot get to a phone and you are still on the road, stay with your car; it will serve as shelter from the elements.
• Turn on your emergency lights, put out your help sign, and wait for help to arrive.
• Refrain from entering the path of oncoming traffic to flag someone down. Instead, use your flashlight to get their attention.
• If your vehicle is stuck in a snow bank or ditch and has a blocked tailpipe, refrain from using your heat as fumes could back up into the vehicle and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, use candles and blankets to keep warm until help arrives.

For more safe driving tips, contact the Midland Police Department at 989-631-5716. Tips for handling winter storms can be found on the City’s website (www.midland-mi.org); look for the Emergency Numbers/Information link on the site’s home page.

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