Winter Driving Safety Tips
Commanders and soldiers need to take great caution while driving in winter
conditions.
The MEARNG had three vehicle accidents in December involving winter driving
conditions. Though the accidents have different indirect causes they all have the
same direct cause, winter conditions on the roads. Commanders are encouraged
to take the time to take your soldiers at your formations on the hazards
associated with winter driving. I have compiled some information that should be
shared to assist soldiers to make informed decisions while driving in the winter.
- Rock Salt loses its effectiveness below 10 degrees. Just because you see plow
trucks out, don’t assume what they are putting down on the road will keep you on
the road alone. Temperatures will have a great effect on your driveway salt. If the
salt has calcium chloride in it then it will perform a little better.
- Equip your vehicle with snow tires (studded tires are preferred). Snow tires
typically have a more aggressive tread design. The rubber compound that the
snow tire is made of is different than all season tires. The rubber compound that
snow tires are made of is softer and allows the tire to grip the road better.
- Know you’re your vehicle capabilities. Understand the difference between four
wheel drive, all wheel drive and full time all wheel drive. Also understand your
vehicles Electronic Stability Control System (if so equipped) and how it works. All
of these systems work different and are designed to keep your safe, but only if
the vehicle is being operated with its capabilities. I highly recommend that you
take the time to read the vehicle owners manual on these systems.
- Accept your capabilities. Just because you live in Maine doesn’t automatically
make you an expert driver in winter conditions. Someone that lives in a city
environment during the month and now has to drive to an Armory on drill
weekends may not have the same expertise as someone that drives secondary
roads daily.
- Allow extra time when driving on winter road conditions. Slow down and allow
extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
For additional information, visit:
http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/winter_driving.aspx
www.safemotorist.com
https://safety.army.mil/
http://www.nhtsa.gov/
RICHARD H. BERTHIAUME
CW3, QM, ARNGUS
Safety & Occupational Health Manager
Commercial: (207) 430-6032