IN Greensburg Salem Winter 2016 | Page 24

Special section Winter Driving Safety Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA recommends the following winter driving tips: • Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks. • Never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. • Make certain your tires are properly inflated. • Keep your gas tank at least half full. • If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather. • Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand). • Always look and steer where you want to go. • Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle. Tips for long-distance winter trips: • Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. • Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. • Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times. • Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle. 22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Greensburg-Salem • If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost. • Don’t over-exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow. • Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the