Cleveland Winter Driving Tips
While the first day of winter is not yet upon us (December 21, 2014), the winter weather most certainly is. That’s why it’s the perfect time to share with you some Cleveland winter driving tips.
The three P’s of safe winter driving:
PREPARE your car
PROTECT yourself
PREVENT crashes
PREPARE YOUR CAR
- Fill up your fuel tank
- Check battery
- Check tire tread
- Check windshield wipers
- Keep your windows clear
- Put no-freeze windshield washer fluid in the washer reservoir
- Check your antifreeze level
Keep in your trunk:
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even floor mats)
- Shovel
- Snow brush and ice scraper
- Warning devices (like flares)
- Blankets
For longer trips, bring some additional food and water (you never know how long you may be stranded).
Stopped or stalled?
Stay in your car! Put your hazards on and shine your dome light. If you run your car, clear the exhaust pipe and run it just enough to stay warm.
Plan your route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary), be familiar with the maps/directions and let others know your route and your estimated arrival time.
Practice cold weather driving
- During the day, find an empty parking lot and practice maneuvers slowly on ice or snow.
- Steer into a skid.
- Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump on non-antilock brakes.
- Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice.
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Buckle up and use child safety seats properly.
- Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag.
- Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat.
PREVENT CRASHES
- Always drive with your headlights on.
- Slow down and increase distances between cars.
- Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road.
- Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before a trip, stop at least every three hours and rotate drivers if possible.
- If you are planning to drink, designate a sober driver
Have a safe winter!
Boruch
Based on information from:
