RALEIGH -- The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service offers the following tips for driving in severe winter weather:
- Make sure your tires are in good condition. Your tires should have traction sufficient to move the vehicle over wet pavement or snow. You should have at least .3 cm (the width of a nickel) of tread left when driving on ice or snow. If you have no other option, drive much slower than usual and break softly and gradually.
- Assure that your vehicle's windows are free of ice and snow, and that the heater is working properly. Before you leave to go out, remove any ice or snow from the windshield, windows, mirrors and lights. Use an ice scraper, a snowbrush and/or windshield defroster as is needed to assure visibility. You should also clean off the hood of your vehicle so that loose snow and ice will not blow onto your windshield and compromise your sight of the road.
- Drive slowly and carefully. Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze first. If the ground is very slick, do not drive at all. Pull over at the first safe place (e.g., a gas station or restaurant). Also:
-- Make turns as gently as possible. Take curves at slower speeds and don't brake while in curves. Be especially careful not to brake as you turn in icy conditions.
-- Drive slowly and watch far enough ahead to keep a steady speed. Don't pass slower vehicles unless necessary. Avoid having to slow down and speed up. Be aware that as the temperature rises to the point where ice begins to melt, the road becomes even more slippery. At these times you should slow down even more.
-- Keep a longer following distance -- at least three times more space than usual. Don't drive alongside other vehicles. When you see a traffic jam ahead, slow down or stop and wait for it to clear. Try hard to anticipate stops early and slow down gradually.
- Brake effectively. If your vehicle is not equipped with an antilock braking system, do the following to brake effectively: Press the brake softly with both hands firmly on the steering wheel. If you notice that the vehicle is sliding, pump the brake (step on and off the brake rapidly) rather than pressing hard on the brake.
- How to gain control of an out-of-control vehicle. If the vehicle begins to slide, the most important thing you can do is not panic. Avoid jerky movements or hard braking as they can make the situation worse. Gently turn the steering wheel in the direction that the vehicle is slipping. If the vehicle is slipping to the right, then you should turn the steering wheel to the right.
- What to do if you get stuck in the snow. If the snow is deep, trying to just drive out of the snow might make the situation worse. Instead, place materials that you might have at hand underneath the tires to get traction. Things that could help you get out of the snow include the floor mats from the vehicle, sand, salt, rocks, tree branches and so on. Next clear a small pathway in front of the vehicle. Try to drive out by tapping the accelerator slowly and turning the steering wheel back and forth as you ease out of the snow.
If these methods do not work, stay in your vehicle and keep warm while you wait for help. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow, ice or anything that might block it, so you will not be poisoned by carbon monoxide.
- Be prepared with necessary winter tools and materials in your vehicle. You may consider having with you:
-- A windshield ice scraper.
-- A heavy coat or blanket.
-- A flashlight.
-- A cell phone.
-- Jumper cables.
-- A small shovel for snow.
-- Water for drinking and nonperishable snacks (i.e., granola bars).
