November 29, 2021 Safety Tip of the Week delivered to your inbox each Monday by GrainnetSafety.com
Winter Driving – Black Ice, Snow, and Freezing Rain
Winter driving is hazardous. Winter-related driving hazards include snow, sleet, freezing rain, black ice, and poor visibility. To prevent winter-related driving accidents, implement the following strategies:
Check the weather forecast prior to your trip.
Allow extra time to reach the destination, choose a route that avoids road surfaces that are not plowed or treated frequently, delay departure, or postpone the trip altogether.
Ensure batteries are fully charged since battery power can decrease as the temperature decreases. Tire tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch.
Check tire pressure frequently if your vehicle is not equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. Tire pressure drops with low temperatures.
Make sure to check wiper blades and replace them as needed. Ensure you have an adequate supply of wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees F.
Clear your vehicle’s windshield and mirrors, as well as sensors and back-up camera.
Have an adequate supply of emergency supplies and safety equipment available. This may include bottled water, food, a blanket or extra winter clothing, a cell phone, cat litter or sand, a shovel, road flares or reflective triangles, and a flashlight.
Make sure your seat belt is firmly fastened.
Decrease speed and keep adequate distance from vehicles ahead.
Avoid using cruise control on icy or snowy roads and increase following distance enough to allow plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead.
If the vehicle does begin to skid or slide, never slam on the brakes to regain control of the vehicle. Always steer in the direction of the skid or slide.
Accelerate and decelerate in a controlled manner.
Seventy percent of the U.S. population lives in places that have snowy and icy conditions during winter months.
According to the Federal Highway Administration more than 150,000 over-the-road vehicle crashes occur in the United States annually due to snowy and icy roads.
