dome light on if possible . It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you .
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn ’ t clogged with snow , ice or mud . A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running .
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold . This could include floor mats , newspapers or paper maps .
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline .
Tips for driving in the snow :
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly . Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids . Don ’ t try to get moving in a hurry . And take time to slow down for a stoplight . Remember , it takes longer to slow down on icy roads .
• Drive slowly . Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads . Accelerating , stopping and turning — nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement . Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly .
• The normal dry-pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds . This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop .
• Know your brakes . If you have anti-lock brakes ( ABS ) and need to slow down quickly , press hard on the pedal — it ’ s normal for the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated . In cars without ABS , use “ threshold ” braking , keeping your heel on the floorboard and using the ball of your foot to apply firm , steady pressure on the brake pedal .
• Don ’ t stop if you can avoid it . There ’ s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling . If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes , do it .
• Don ’ t power up hills . Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning . Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top . As you reach the crest of the hill , reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible .
• Don ’ t stop going up a hill . There ’ s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road . Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill .
• Stay home . If you really don ’ t have to go out , don ’ t . Even if you can drive well in the snow , not everyone else can . n
Pine-Richland | Winter 2016 | icmags . com 43