Special section
Winter Driving Safety 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 .
Winter
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 .
• 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 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 .
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