Snowfall in the Tennessee Valley may be as beautiful as a postcard, but it is not so pretty when you have to drive in it. Snow and ice makes roads slippery and dangerous. Most of us have no choice when it comes to traveling in the winter. To keep yourself and your family safe, here are some winter weather driving tips:
• Winters can be harsh in Tennessee; especially toward the northeastern portion of the state. Take your vehicle in for an inspection to ensure that it is ready for the blustery winter conditions. Always keep an emergency kit handy that includes a warm blanket, change of clothing, snow shovel, ice scraper, salt, and kitty litter.
• Warm your car up a few minutes before you leave. While you are doing that, be sure to clean off any snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and the body of the car. You may want to keep a can of de-icer in case your doors or windows freeze shut.
• Even if it is daytime, drive with the headlights on during bad weather. Not only will it help you see better, but it will also make you more visible to other motorists.
• Snow plows often leave snow banks along side of the road and along the median. They can limit your view of the traffic around you. Use caution when passing other vehicles.
• When the roads are bad with ice and snow, you want to have optimal control of your vehicle. For this reason, do not use cruise control.
• Braking in slippery ice and snow can be a challenge. Learn the little nuances that your brakes have before you are in the situation. There are different ways to brake according to if you have anti-lock brakes or not. Your owner’s manual should give you detailed information about braking during a skid.
• If you become stranded or stuck, the worst thing would be to run out of gas. If you ensure that you have at least a half a tank of gas at all times, you should have enough fuel in emergencies. You should also make sure that you have good windshield wipers and a full tank of cleaning fluid.
• If you do happen to have problems on the road or get caught in a winter storm, do not leave your vehicle. Stay inside, wrap up with you blanket, and wait for help to arrive. If you car is not actually driving, you can only use the heat for ten minutes out of each hour. Make sure that snow and other debris has not clogged your exhaust pipe, or you could be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. By opening your windows a bit, you will be sure to get some fresh air and prevent any buildup.
• Just because a speed limit is posted does not mean you need to go that fast in snow and ice. During bad weather conditions, you should drive at a slower speed and put a little more distance between your vehicle and other drivers.
• Bridges and overpasses are notorious for icing over before any of the roads. Be careful as you cross them and watch for patches of ice.
• People driving snow plows may have limited visibility and the roads may be a lot worse ahead of them. Do not pass a snow plow unless you really must and use extreme caution.
• Most local radio and television news stations provide Tennesseans with the latest updates on road and weather conditions. You may also contact your local state highway patrol office for local road conditions.
• Sometimes, traveling is unavoidable. If you must be on the roads during bad winter weather, let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you should be there. When you reach your destination, call that person and let him/her know that you arrived safely. As always, pay attention to your driving and the road conditions. Telephone messages can wait.
