Brushing Up on Winter Driving Skills

Last winter was certainly a doozy, with wide stretches of the nation registering crippling snow totals and frigid temperatures with little relief. Unfortunately, the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts we’ll ride another polar express in the months ahead, with above-normal snowfall throughout much of the nation. “Colder is just almost too familiar a term,” says Almanac editor Janice Stillman. “Think of it as a refriger-nation.” Of course the prudent course of action to take when the weather takes a turn is to simply stay home, but that’s not always practical. Fortunately, it’s possible to take on Old Man Winter safely, provided one hits the road prepared and is willing to “drive according to the conditions.” According to winter driving tips provided by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, travelers should dress according to the climactic conditions (anticipate both departure and arrival points), always carry a cell phone and notify friends or relatives when they’re leaving, the route they’re traveling and their expected arrival time. Never hit the road with less than a full tank of gas, and avoid using the vehicle’s cruise control to keep reaction times to a minimum. If inclement weather sets in, turn on the headlamps, slow down and leave extra room from the traffic ahead - your car’s brakes won’t grip as tenaciously on wet pavement. Beware of frozen patches, especially over bridges and overpasses that tend to freeze sooner than paved roads. Accelerate smoothly when climbing hills to avoid spinning the wheels and maintain your car’s momentum without stopping; reduce speed and drive as slowly down hill as possible. Periodically apply the brakes with moderate pressure to determine the available traction; modify your driving if the antilock brakes kick in (the “ABS” light flashes briefly) or you feel the vehicle slipping. If the roads become too slick or conditions are compromising visibility, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends turning on the hazard lights and pulling off the road when it’s safe to do so. Unless there’s a safe haven in the immediate area in which you can take refuge stay in the car and either wait for a break in the weather or for help to arrive. Switch on the inside light so rescuers or workers can see you. If the storm continues for an extended period run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, but crack open a downwind window for ventilation. Keep snow away from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If your vehicle becomes stuck in the snow, avoid spinning the tires. Switch off the car’s traction control, engage the lowest gear and gradually “rock” the vehicle back and forth - perhaps only an inch or two at a time - to get it moving. If that doesn’t work, wedge the floor mats (or cardboard or even tree branches) under the tires for added traction. If you can’t get free after several minutes, call a tow truck to avoid damaging the transmission or other components. Should the car’s battery become depleted and require a jump-start, have the running car parked as closely to yours as possible, preferably head-to-head, and switch off the ignition. Open both hoods and locate the batteries (often hidden under a plastic cover) or charging points. Connect the positive (“+”) end of the cable onto the good battery and then the positive terminal on the dead battery, followed by the negative (“=”) connections. Have the driver of the running car start the engine, and attempt to start the car with the dead battery; if you get no immediate response, ensure the cables are firmly attached to the terminals. If the car doesn’t start after several tries, call for service. (c) CTW Features