Winter can be a dangerous time of year around your home. Cold weather has the potential to cause home heating equipment to fail, icy walkways can become slippery hazards and extreme cold can sneak up unexpectedly. But winter weather is not only a home safety concern; it also causes dangerous driving conditions on the road and driving in the winter time can be a very frightening experience if you are not prepared for the unexpected.
A study from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health reports that bad weather is associated with more than 1.5 million car crashes nationally each year. If you don’t have to drive in extreme winter weather, don’t! But if you do, it is important that you prepare your car and your family for the worst winter has to offer.
In addition to always obeying posted road condition information and staying on top of changing weather information for your area, here are a few important precautions and security tips you should take to help keep you and your family safe if you have to hit the road in bad winter weather:
To prevent winter road hazards, give your car a winter weather tune-up:
- Check and refill antifreeze levels, service the radiator and check your tire tread. If recommended in your area, replace tires with all-weather tires or snow chains
- Clear snow from head and tail lights, windshields and rear-view mirrors to make sure you can see clearly and other cars can see you.
- Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Keep a winter emergency kit in your car with blankets, first-aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, jumper cables, flares, tire pump, bright-colored cloth, cat litter (for traction) and food and water.
While driving:
- Always stop gently to avoid skidding on icy roads. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake pedal.
- Always drive more slowly in snowy or icy conditions; a good rule to follow is to reduce speeds by about 50 percent.
- Allow plenty of room to stop—at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
If you find yourself stranded:
- Stay with your car unless help is not more than 100 yards away.
- Stay visible: raise the hood of your car (when snow is not falling), turn on inside overhead light and tie a bright-colored cloth to the car’s antenna.
- Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.
- Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes per hour.
- Keep one downwind window opened slightly to let fresh air circulate, even if the outside air is cold.
The old adage, “slow and steady wins the race” is especially true in the winter time when icy, wet roads can cause people to lose control of their cars. Take your time on the roads this winter to make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safe and sound.
*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.