Women’s Independent Press

by Anne Fleming
www.women-drivers.com

As www.Women-Drivers.com advises, it’s always smart to get a winter tune up—before winter arrives. Tires, batteries, belts, blades and fluids will all be checked or replaced to maximize your car’s performance and safety, during the most challenging months on the road.

To avoid accidents or sliding altogether, never exceed the speed limit. When driving in snow or in freezing conditions, reduce the car’s speed to allow time to react.
If you do hit snow or ice, brake gently, in other words, brake in a slow and steady manner. If the vehicle begins to ‘lock up’ and slide, take your foot off the brake and simultaneously down shift.

Did You Know? If in an accident, dial 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance. Do not continuously run your vehicle’s engine. If you are stranded, run it about every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

· If you veer off the road and are unable to maneuver back onto a road, it’s best for your personal safety to stay in the vehicle.

· Use your lights, high beams, flashlight or flashers to get the attention of other vehicles. Use your cell phone to call 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance.

· Do not continuously run the engine. If you are stranded, run the engine every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.

· Do not drink alcohol – it will lower the temperature of your body and increasingly make you drowsy.

Keep the following items with you in the trunk of your vehicle:

· Fist Aid supplies

· Jumper cables

· Ice scraper with brush

· Tire chains

· Blankets

· Salt or sand – or, kitty litter

· Flashlight and batteries

· Emergency flares

· Snow or retractable shovel

· Water

· Extra phone charger

· Large jar candle and matches

· Quart of oil