3 Car Safety Tips For Winter Driving

With colder temperatures and potential inclement weather this winter, it’s important to stay safe when driving. Winter driving can be hazardous, especially in areas that get a lot of snow or ice on the roads. Regardless of whether you’re driving for work or to visit friends or family, advanced preparation can make your trip safer and help you deal with an emergency, if necessary. Here are 3 car safety tips for winter driving:

1. Be prepared. Make sure your vehicle is in top condition. Check that the battery, the tread on your tires, and your windshield wipers are in good working order. Make sure you have a full reservoir of washer fluid, along with a flashlight, jumper cables, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, a snow brush and ice scraper, and blankets. For longer trips, add flares or other warning devices, food and water, a cell phone charger, and any necessary medications. Plan your route in advance; watch the weather and leave early if necessary. Become familiar with the directions you’ll be following, and let others know both your route and your estimated arrival time.

2. Practice driving in tricky road conditions. During the day, find an empty parking lot to practice driving maneuvers. Know how to steer into a skid, and understand how your brakes will react on slick roads.

3. Take safety precautions to protect yourself and others. Always wear a seat belt, and use child safety seats properly. A rear-facing infant seat should never be placed in front of an air bag. When driving, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

If you do get stalled or stuck in snow, stay in your car after safely taking certain precautions. Put bright markers on your antenna, if possible. If you run your car, clear the exhaust pipe and only run the car long enough to keep you warm.

Newton Village

110 N. 5th Avenue W

Newton, Iowa 50208

Ph: 641-792-0115

www.newtonvillage.org