Survival Tips
Prepare your car for winter. Check your car's antifreeze, oil,
battery, defroster, heater, wipers, washer fluid and
level; inspect
the tires to be sure there is adequate tread, check air pressure to
ensure proper inflation. Use
radials or chains during snow
emergencies.
Take time to remove all ice and snow from your car, concentrating
on the windows, wipers, mirrors and lights. To
reduce the chance of
snow flying off your vehicle while driving, remove snow and ice from
the front grill, hood and
roof. Good visibility is essential for a
safe journey. You need to see and be seen by others.
Be sure to buckle up and require your passengers to do the same.
When a snow emergency is declared, make every effort to avoid
driving or allow extra time to get where you are
going. Keep in mind
that when roadways are icy or snow covered, you should never expect to
drive as you would
during clear weather or on dry road surfaces.
Should your car begin to skid, remember not to panic or slam on
your brakes. Take your foot off the gas pedal
and immediately steer in
the direction of the skid.
Increase following distance between your vehicle and others on the
road, especially snowplows. Packed snow
and ice may create a smooth,
glass-like surface beneath your tires making it difficult to control
your vehicle.
Remember bridges and ramps freeze first and may be especially
difficult to navigate.
Never pass a snowplow or salt truck especially a plow train! Plow
trains are groups of trucks that form a line
across the lanes to clear
snow. Operators may not see you or your car may get caught on a
snow-covered plow
edge. In addition, driving will be much easier if
you stay at least 25 feet, or three car lengths, behind the snow
emergency vehicle.
Do not abandon, your vehicle. The safest place to wait for help is
in your car. If your car breaks down, move your
vehicle as far off the
roadway as possible and lift the hood. Try to leave a distress signal,
such as a scarf, hanging
from the window. Please remember, when you
abandon your vehicle, it may be subject to towing, ticketing and a
fine.
Remember, when shoveling snow from your driveway; create a pile
away from the roadway. A good rule is to
shovel to the right when
facing the street. However, keep in mind that the important thing is
not to shovel the snow
onto an area that will simply be plowed back
onto the driveway when the state, county or township snowplows
come
through.
