Winter Driving Tips

A Ten-Minute Training Topics Presentation

Statistics• “Poor weather-related driving conditions

are associated with 7,000 fatalities, 800,000 injuries, and more than 1.5 million vehicular crashes annually in the United States”

-National Research Council. Where the Weather Meets the Road

Statistics• “Snow days had fewer fatal crashes

than dry days, but more nonfatal-injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.

• The first snowy day of the year was substantially more dangerous than other snow days in terms of fatalities…”

– American Journal of Public Health

Statistics• The leading cause of death during

winter storms is transportation accidents.

• Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

– Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Introduction• Winter driving can be a pleasant

adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and even hazardous.

• Winter weather can mean very different conditions throughout the USA and Canada.

Introduction• In Northern areas, snow, sleet and ice

are primary concerns.

• In Southerly areas, rain and fog can be troublesome.

Introduction• Driving through different elevations can

also force severe changes in weather conditions from one area to another.

• Shorter daylight hours and increased glare on roadways due to the low angle of sunlight during winter can add up to collisions, congestion and frustrating delays.

Introduction• While the number of fatal crashes tends

to decrease during the winter, the number of property damage and non-fatal crashes tend to increase.

Introduction• There are likely explanations for this

relationship:–experienced drivers slow down to have

greater control in poor weather, but

– snow, sleet and rain reduce traction and increase stopping distances causing inexperienced drivers to loose control and collide with other vehicles or fixed objects.

Introduction• There are four key strategies to dealing

with winter driving:– Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions

– Prepare yourself for winter driving techniques

– Prepare for emergencies such as mechanical breakdown or crash

– Watch out for other drivers who are not prepared

Vehicle Preparation• Make sure that the key systems in your

vehicle are in top condition: brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system, etc.

• Check your fluids for proper levels and condition (i.e. antifreeze and windshield washer fluid).

Vehicle Preparation• Check your tires. Make sure they are

properly inflated and the tread is in good condition. Tires lose pressure during cold weather.

• Check your battery and alternator – you need more starting power in the cold weather.

Vehicle Preparation• Keep your vehicle clean during the

winter - especially headlights and taillights.

• This will make it easier for you to see and be seen.

• Check or replace wiper blades and fill reservoirs.

Vehicle Preparation• Keep your fuel topped off.

• If you get stuck in the snow, you’ll want to be able to run the engine periodically to stay warm (checking to be sure that the exhaust isn’t clogged or blocked by snow, etc.)

Vehicle Preparation• If your company uses chains for deep

snow, make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. – You might want to take along a flashlight

and chain repair links.

– Make sure you know the proper procedures for both normal installation and emergency repair procedures.

Driver Preparation• Keep yourself in top physical condition –

try to eat a balanced diet, keep a consistent sleep schedule and exercise carefully – each plays a part in combating fatigue and susceptibility to catching colds, etc.

Driver Preparation• Plan your trip – allow extra time, have

alternate routes ready in case of closures, crashes or congestion. Remember weather at lower altitudes may be radically different than in mountain passes.

• Listen to the radio, check the internet or call the state’s traffic hotline (i.e. 5-1-1) for the latest road conditions. Remember to always wear your seatbelt on each and every trip.

Driver Preparation• Slow down - remember that the posted speed

limits are for dry, clear pavement. – Posted highway speeds may be safe in dry

weather but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice.

– Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so triple or quadruple the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

– Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not.

– Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

Driver Preparation• Increase the distance between your

vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

• Ice and snow significantly increase your stopping distance.

Driver Preparation• Keep windshield and windows clear.

• You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snowbrush or scraper.

• Use the defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.

Driver Preparation• Decelerate well in advance of a turn or

stopping point.

• Try to avoid using brakes while turning.

Driver Preparation• When descending a hill, pick your

maximum safe speed while at the crest and then stay under that speed throughout the decent with gentle on/off braking.

• Don't expect to do all your braking at that stop sign at the bottom of the slope.

Driver Preparation• Leave room for maintenance vehicles

and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.

Driver Preparation• If you have ABS (anti-lock braking system)

designed to prevent your wheels from locking up when braking, check your owner's manual about stopping under poor traction conditions. – As a general rule, continuous pedal pressure will

be better than on/off braking.

• If you are not sure what types of brakes your vehicle has, re-read the owners manual or tech manual (or ask your company’s maintenance supervisor for help.)

Prepare for Possible Emergencies• Dress warmly by wearing layers of loose-fitting,

layered, lightweight clothing. Pack for your trip. Some items to carry with you may include:– company approved ice scraper or commercial deicer– a broom for brushing snow– a shovel to free you vehicle if it is "snowed in"– sand, burlap or suitable materials for traction if your

wheels should become mired in snow and an old towel to clean your hands

– A citizens band (CB) radio and/or cellular phone (with freshly charged battery) can be very useful to you or another stranded motorist in case of an emergency.

Prepare for Possible Emergencies

• It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing.

• A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.

Prepare for Possible Emergencies

• If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible. – Your greatest personal danger at this point

is that of being hit by passing vehicles.

– Don’t panic. Common sense could be critical to survival.

Prepare for Possible Emergencies

• If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible. – Do not over exert yourself, especially when

shoveling snow or trying to push a stalled vehicle.

– This physical activity may be more strenuous than your body can tolerate.

Prepare for Possible Emergencies

• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

• Attach a cloth to the antenna or window indicating you need help.

Prepare for Possible Emergencies

• Make sure the exhaust pipe is free of obstructions and the windows are not sealed by snow or ice. – Partially open a window to prevent carbon

monoxide poisoning.

– If the engine will start, run it and the heater only for short time periods.

Watch Out for Unprepared Drivers

• Be more observant than usual.

• Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions.

Watch Out for Unprepared Drivers

• Slow down and watch for other vehicles that have flashing lights (visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment).

Watch Out for Unprepared Drivers

• Be especially careful when approaching curves and intersections – inexperienced drivers may lose control and slide into your lane.

• Turn on your low-beam headlights when visibility is poor – this will at least help other motorists spot your vehicle more quickly.

Summary • Whether you encounter, snow, fog, or

rain in your area of the country, how you choose to prepare for and respond to these conditions will determine your success in dealing with them.

Summary • Remember that it is not only how you

drive, but also being prepared for the “other driver” and the “unexpected” events that can occur like a mechanical breakdown.

This presentation was developed for the benefit of clients of SafetyFirst Systems.

Receipt and/or possession of this slideshow does not convey any right to re-distribute beyond your own organization, or any right to create derivative works from this material for any purpose without the express permission of SafetyFirst Systems.

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