With real winter weather rolling in across the country, the Indiana State Police (ISP) have issued some winter driving reminders.
The ISP actually wants you to start by checking your car ahead of winter weather.
For example, is your battery strong enough to handle the coming cold snap? Do you have an emergency kit? How’s the tread on your tires?
When driving, Sgt. John Davis with the ISP said motorists sometimes don't understand the hazards of snow and ice.
“And they don't realize that not all parts of the road thaw and freeze exactly the same way,” Davis said. “Bridges and overpasses will freeze before the part of the roadway will freeze. And people have the misconception if the road’s clear in one spot, that it’s all clear. And people will speed and not realize that bridges and overpasses are frozen.”
He recommends leaving 10 seconds of distance with following and stopping, instead of the normal three.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were 25,000 injury crashes during wintry weather in 2020.
Lots of new drivers will probably be on the roads who might be experiencing snow and ice for the first time. Motor vehicle traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds, according to the NHTSA.
“For newer drivers, it's always best if you can practice in slick conditions in a driveway or a parking lot where there's no other hazards in the area,” Davis said. “Or have a trained person … or a family member that's driven in those conditions to drive with you for the first time.”
He said another hazard of bad weather driving is that the same weather could delay the arrival of help if you crash or become stuck.
He said if possible, stay home in bad driving conditions. They do expects a spike of crashes during wintry weather — especially the first round of wintry weather of the season.
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Below are ISP winter perp and driving tips
What can you do now?
- Tires - As outside temperatures drop, so does the tire’s inflation pressure. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated to the recommended pressures. To find the recommended pressure for your vehicle, check the label on the driver’s side door jam or in the owner’s manual. Don’t use the tire pressure listed on the tire’s side, as this is generally the maximum pressure, not the recommended pressure. The tread should be at least 2/32 inch or greater on all tires. Remember your spare!
- Snow tires? - All-weather tires are great for everyday use, but tests have shown that snow tires can significantly increase your traction on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. All-wheel drive, traction control, and other computerized systems on your car are great for helping to maintain or regain traction, but they won’t increase your traction.
- Battery - Your car’s battery is also negatively affected by cold temperatures. Now is an excellent time to check your battery and charging system.
- Wipers - Worn or damaged wipers are no match for snow and ice. Check and replace them if needed.
- Wiper Fluid - It is easy to empty your washer reservoir during heavy snow or on a slushy roadway. Make sure to top it off now with a winter-grade fluid.
- Emergency Kit - Crashes, breakdowns, and getting stuck on an unplowed road can happen even for the safest drivers. Don’t be caught off-guard; have an emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, road flares, or emergency lights available. You may also want to pack a small shovel and some kitty litter or sand to help get “unstuck.”
When you hit the road.
- Ensure you dress appropriately when headed out: coat, gloves, hat? That quick trip to the store could turn into an hour’s wait for a wrecker or to dig yourself out.
- Clear your windows and lights of snow and ice, and make sure you can see and BE SEEN.
- Leave early.
- Slow down.
- Increase your following distance. Instead of your normal 3-second distance, increase it to eight or ten seconds on slick roadways.
- Accelerate and brake slowly and smoothly.
- Turn off your cruise control.
- Buckle UP / Phone Down
Be patient and courteous with others.
- Don’t crowd snowplows or drive beside the truck on two-lane roads. Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) employees work very hard to keep the roads moving; give them the space they need.
- Check on family and neighbors who may not be capable of driving in winter conditions.
- We’re all in this together!
source: ISP