H & V Winter Driving Safety Tips

Staying safe on the road is always a priority, and never more so than during the winter months, when there are always surprises and challenges from snow and ice.

Your friends at H & V Collision Center want to help you and your family stay safe. These winter driving safety tips will you prepare your automobile and sharpen your skills as a driver to get you through the season safe and sound.

Stay updated on other safety tips at www.handvcollision.com

H & V Winter Driving Safety Tip # 1

Simple Maintenance Means Improved Safety

- Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid freezing of gas line

- Properly inflate tires to recommended pressure

- For better traction, never mix radial tires with other types of tires

- Make sure your car has been properly inspected

- Make sure you have windshield de-icer and effective wipers

- Never warm up an automobile in enclosed area such as a closed garage due to      dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning

Get updates on other safety tips at www.handvcollision.com

H & V Winter Driving Safety Tip # 2

Safety Means Staying Prepared

- Watch or listen to the latest weather reports before undertaking a trip during the winter

- Include emergency telephone numbers on a cellular telephone in the event of an automotive emergency

- Make sure you travel with blankets, winter hats and gloves, maps, food, water, any needed medication and a shovel, during winter trips

- Use seat belts every time you travel in an automobile

- Delay driving during bad winter conditions if possible

- If forced to take a trip during a winter storm, let others know of your destination, expected time of arrival and route

Get updates on other safety tips at www.handvcollision.com

H & V Winter Driving Safety Tip # 3

Slow and Steady for Safety in the Snow

- Drive slower. There is less chance of skidding or losing control of your vehicle if you are driving slower on snow-covered roads. A slower speed also can mean more reaction time, which can be important during winter driving conditions.

- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Traction is crucial when driving in snowy conditions and one of the best ways to retain traction is by easing onto the accelerator when moving and easing onto the brakes when coming to a stop.

- Leave more room between you and other vehicles. The amount of time and distance needed to stop in snowy conditions can be as much as three times more when compared to dry conditions.

- Braking carefully is key. To ensure traction, avoid braking suddenly and severely. Instead, gently apply pressure to the brakes to gradually bring your automobile to a stop.

Get updates on other safety tips at www.handvcollision.com

H & V Winter Driving Safety Tip # 4

Getting There Safely

- Don’t stop while traveling up hills, if possible. An easy way to lose traction is to stop a portion of the way up a hill. It can be very difficult to regain traction part of the way up a hill and can often result in automobiles sliding off the road or back down the hill.

- Don’t use too much power traveling up hills. Too much power can result in wheels spinning, which can lead to automobiles getting stuck or leaving the road. Try to use momentum gained from traveling on level roads to help power you at least partly up the hill, before gently applying the gas.

- Momentum and caution will help get you down the hill. Once you reach the top of a hill and begin to descend down, let momentum carry you as much as possible, only gently applying the gas to maintain traction and forward motion. Too much speed can lead to loss of traction.

- In heavy snow conditions, slow down instead of stopping. If you can avoid stopping, you can help protect traction and momentum. Stopping in heavy snow can lead to tires spinning and your automobile getting stuck. See if you can safely slow down enough to allow traffic lights to change and allow you to proceed if forced to drive during a heavy storm.

- If you can avoid making the trip during a heavy winter storm, do so. Staying off the road during a big storm can be the safest course. But if you have to travel, keep in mind the safety tips above, prepare your vehicle and inform someone about your trip, your destination, expected time of arrival and route of travel.

Get updates on other safety tips at www.handvcollision.com

H & V Winter Driving Safety Tip # 5

If You’re Stuck, Stay Calm

- Getting stuck is one unfortunate part of winter driving. When it happens, make the best of it, and most importantly, don’t do anything to further jeopardize your safety. If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle, which provides shelter and make it easier for rescuers to find you.

- If your vehicle is snowbound, tying a bright colored rag or cloth to the antenna can help rescuers find your vehicle. At night, keep the dome light on. The dome light uses a modest amount of electricity and helps others observe your vehicle.

- If necessary, run the engine and heater long enough to warm the automobile, but be mindful to conserve gasoline. Also, make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, to reduce the chance of a harmful carbon monoxide leak.

- Use any available materials to insulate your body from the cold, including papers, maps, floor mats and other items.

- Be careful not to overexert yourself if you attempt to dig or push the automobile out of the snow.

Get updates on other safety tips at www.handvcollision.com