Road Smart

Road Smart

The highway has great advantages and provides us with the means to travel at great speeds but can be fraught with danger, especially during winter storms.

Being alert to the many road hazards can help keep you from making a fatal error while traveling this winter.

Most highways today have a posted minimum speed of 45 mph, which is a safe traveling speed unless you are driving during a blinding blizzard. The minimum speed posted applies during normal road conditions. You will not be ticketed for driving slower during a winter storm. However, in slowing down, the life you save may be your own.

If you begin to see cars in the ditches around you, consider getting off and traveling an alternate route, whenever possible to avoid be stranded in the snow on a busy highway.

If you do attempt an alternate route, be aware that getting off the highway during a winter storm can be a delicate maneuver, as entrance and exit ramps become snow filled and not as well travelled as the expressway and can present a challenge to the casual motorist.

To exit the highway safely, give the cars behind you plenty of warning, turn your signal on far ahead of your intended exit. Begin to slow gradually, keeping in mind that any sudden turns can put your car into a skid.

Applying the brakes gently, pumping them slightly, instead of spiking them, will allow you to maintain control of your vehicle.

Once you've managed to get off the highway, it's a good time to stop and consult your map for the best alternate route to your destination.

The surface streets will, in all likelihood, have considerable snow coverage, because the highways are generally cleared first. However, the slower driving speeds will more than compensate for the road conditions.

What makes the difference between an ordinary driver and a good one?

· An ordinary driver reacts to the road situations.
· A good driver anticipates crises and avoids them.

It pays to stay alert and aware of other drivers on the road. Allow extra braking room between you and the car ahead, to allow for sliding. Check your rearview mirror often for cars following too closely, who could "accidentally" hit you from behind.

It is often possible to avoid being rear-ended if you stay alert and are aware of the possible danger.

If you must call for directions or assistance, remember to pull off the road first. Don't allow yourself to become distracted when driving in hazardous road conditions. The break will do your frazzled nerves some good.

It is always best to allow yourself extra driving time during the winter months to avoid being rushed to the point that you are tempted to drive faster than road conditions permit.

If you have young drivers in your home, make certain they know how to handle their vehicle in a skid and that they are properly prepared for a road emergency.

Prepare your car for an emergency

Make sure your car is winterized and running properly so you will not be stranded in bad weather. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid fuel line freeze-up. A full tank also provides extra weight and will allow you to keep warm longer, should you become a stranded motorist.

If you are stranded in your car:

· Stay in your car or truck. It is easy to become disoriented in blowing snow and cold.
· Run the motor for about ten minutes every hour for heat. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning open the window a little for fresh air, check to be certain the exhaust pipe is not blocked.
· Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light when running the engine. Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door. After the snow has stopped falling raise the hood indicating trouble.
· Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

If you are stranded outside during a storm:

· Find Shelter
· Try to stay dry.
· Cover all exposed parts of the body.

If there is no shelter available:

· Prepare a lean-to, wind-break or snow cave for protection from the wind.
· Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
· Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
· Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.