Think Safety First Before Hitting the Road This Winter

For many drivers, maneuvering through snowed or ice covered roads can mean frustrating travel and even some scary conditions. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that about 46 percent of crashes involving bad weather take place in the winter, making this the worst time of year for driving in treacherous conditions. Winter driving requires special skills – and advance planning – but with caution and attention, you can get where you’re going safely.

First and foremost, if you don’t need to drive in bad winter weather, you should consider staying home. If you decide to venture out, AAA recommends that you pack your patience. You should also keep in mind the following tips: 

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• Increase your following distance to eight to ten seconds.
• Don’t stop or power up when traveling on hills.

Be prepared before hitting the road. A recent AAA survey found that more than 40 percent of motorists do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle. Make sure you’re ready for emergencies by traveling with a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, heavy blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers.

Always keep in mind that your best strategy for winter driving may be avoiding it entirely. If you have any doubt about driving, don’t do it.  Plan ahead by rescheduling appointments and running errands before the first flakes hit the pavement. 

Should your car get stuck in the road, don’t abandon your car unless you’re very close to a lighted, heated destination where you can call for help.  Turn on your flashers and apply your parking brake.  Call police and a tow company from your cell phone.  If it is safe to get out of the car, tie a bright cloth to the antenna, and set up flares. Otherwise, stay in the car and run your engine for a few minutes every hour to keep the car relatively warm, making sure your tailpipe is clear of any snow or debris. Stay bundled up with blankets, newspapers, and even floor mats to stay warm until help arrives. 

Before hitting the road, drivers can download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. They can use the app to map a route, find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, and more.  For members in need of roadside assistance, they can use the app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. For added convenience, Wazers can now request AAA roadside assistance directly from the Waze app by tapping the Report menu.