AAA Encourages Safe Winter Driving

Navigating Indiana roadways during the winter months can be hazardous so motorists should exercise caution.

• Have the battery and charging system tested. A fully-charged battery in good working condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
• Have the brakes checked to ensure they work properly and apply smoothly. Good brakes help prevent wheels from locking on slick surfaces.
• Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can be dangerous, and may suffer unnecessary damage. Remember, tire air pressure decreases 1-2 pounds per square inch for every 10-degree drop in external temperature.
• Use the tire size recommended by a given vehicle's manufacturer for best snow traction. Overly wide tires tend to float on top of the snow, reducing grip.
• Make sure the engine coolant provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures likely to be encountered.
• Visibility is critical in adverse weather conditions, so replace worn windshield wipers that streak, and be sure the washer reservoir is filled with a solvent that will not freeze.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to minimize condensation buildup that can lead to gas line freeze-up.
• Carry a winter driving kit for use in the event of an emergency. The kit should include a small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter), a small snow shovel, a snow brush, traction mats, a flashlight with new batteries, non-freezing window washer solvent, an ice scraper, a cloth or roll of paper towels, jumper cables, a blanket, warning devices (flares or triangles), drinking water, non-perishable snacks and extra clothes, at a minimum.
• Program vehicle radios for AM 530 or 1610 stations in order to monitor local traffic advisories.
• Carry a cellular phone and car charger. Program the phone with important numbers including a reliable roadside service provider such as AAA.

• Before hitting the roads during inclement winter weather, all snow should be removed from a given vehicle so that it doesn't blow onto the windshield of that vehicle's driver or onto the windshield of other automobiles. Mirrors and lights should be clean as well.
• Low-beam headlights should always be illuminated.
• When the roads are icy, drivers should slow down and allow extra time to reach a given point of destination. Delaying trips all together is an even better idea; at least until sunlight and salt trucks can combine to make navigation safer.
• Drivers should allow sufficient room for maintenance vehicles and plows on roadways. In fact, it's recommended that motorists stay at least 15 car lengths (200 feet) back. If passing is necessary, do so on the maintenance vehicle's left-hand side.
• Watch for icy surfaces on bridges, even when roads seem to be in good condition.
• If stuck in snow, motorists should straighten the wheel of the vehicle they're driving and accelerate slowly. Sand or cat litter can be added under the drive wheels to help avoid tire spinning.
• When tires lose traction, drivers should continue to look and steer in the direction they want to go. If drive wheels start to spin or slide while going up a hill, slightly easing off the accelerator is recommended followed by a gentle return to a safe driving speed.
• Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by others can alert a given motorist to problems they're about to encounter and provide additional reaction time.
• When changing lanes, avoid cutting in front of large trucks. They need additional time and distance to stop.
• Cruise control functions should never be used in precipitation or when temperatures are below freezing.
• Apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal with anti-lock brakes.

Motorists are always encouraged, year-round, to visit AAA Hoosier Motor Club service centers and AAA.com for up-to-date travel information and safe driving tips.