Preparing your vehicle for winter driving could save your life    

[JAN. 7, 2005]  Check your owner's manual for instructions on getting your car ready for winter. Recommended steps include inspecting the battery and the ignition, as well as the cooling, fuel and exhaust systems. Also, be certain your car is equipped with the necessary items if you should become stranded, and review the following driving tips.

Safe winter driving

Fewer daylight hours and the low temperatures that produce slippery road conditions make winter the most hazardous driving season. Drive slower and increase your following distance. Brake gently with a slow, steady stroke, repeated as necessary to maintain control of the car. If your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, press and hold the brake to the floor. Do not "pump" the brakes. Let the anti-lock braking system take control of the braking.

Brake early when coming to an intersection or stop. Approach bridges, shaded spots and overpasses slowly as they may remain icy after the rest of the road is clear and dry.

If you begin to slide, do not hit the brakes. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and steer the car in the direction you want the front to go. Do not touch the brakes or the gas until the tires regain traction.

Do not use cruise control.

Before starting even a short trip in bad weather, check the car's lights, heater, wiper blades, antifreeze and gas tank (which should be full). Chains also may be used in states where they are legal.

It is best not to travel alone, no matter what distance you plan to go. Make sure someone else knows where you are going, the route you plan to take and when you expect to arrive. Travel by daylight, if possible, and use major highways.

Keep the car radio tuned to weather and road reports.

If you are stranded, do not panic. Turn on your emergency signal flashers or hang a cloth from the radio aerial or car window. REMAIN IN YOUR CAR and wait for help to arrive.

Run your car engine to keep warm, but do so sparingly to conserve fuel. Also, remember to crack a window for proper ventilation and keep the exhaust pipe cleared of snow. Do not let everyone in the car sleep at the same time. One person should watch for rescue crews. To maintain body heat, exercise and keep active as much as possible while remaining inside the car, but do not overexert.

Carry credit cards or extra cash in the event you must stop for overnight lodging or to have your car serviced.

Before traveling during the winter months, equip your car with the following items:

• Blankets
• Appropriate dress, including warm mittens and socks, boots, warm hat, insulated underwear, layers of lightweight clothing
• Fresh batteries
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio
• Sand and traction mats or old rugs
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper
• Tool kit
• Towline or rope
• Fire extinguisher
• Bottled water
• Coffee cans with lids, to melt snow for water and sanitary purposes
• High-calorie nonperishable food (granola bars, raisins, peanut butter)
• First-aid supplies
• Matches and candles
• Road maps and a compass
• Flares

[Illinois Department of Public Health]