Well we are seeing our first glimpse of messy winter weather. With the threat of snow and potential freezing rain, conditions could be right for slick roads, especially late at night and the early morning hours.
Please keep the following tips in mind:
Driving
1. Do not use cruise control. You should be in full control of your vehicle at all times.
2. Always drive at speeds that correspond with the road conditions, traffic, and road visibility you have.
3. Lengthen your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you.
Stopping distance on icy roads is much greater than that of stopping on dry roads.
4. If your vehicle begins to fishtail, turn in the direction of the skid and keep your foot off the brake. (If the rear of your vehicle veers to the right, turn your steering wheel the same direction.) 5. During the winter months always keep your vehicle full of fuel
Braking
1. If the emergency does not require you to slam on the brake as hard as possible (it shouldn’t since you should be driving defensively), squeeze braking along with declutching (for manual shift) or shifting into neutral (for automatic transmission) will do the job.
2. If you do not have anti-lock breaks, use the heel to toe method. Keep your heel on the floor and use your toes to press the break firmly just short of locking up the breaks. Release and press again repeatedly until the vehicle stops.
3. If you do have anti-lock breaks, also use the heel to toe method but do not remove your foot from the break. You will hear and feel a noise and vibrations. This means the anti-lock breaking system is working.
Recognize Danger Areas
1. Bridges and over passes freeze more quickly than regular roadways. Use extra caution while driving and be aware of “black ice”. Black Ice is when the road appears dry but is covered in a thin layer of ice and is usually a little darker and is very slick.
2. Slow down before each intersection. Make sure to look for oncoming cars and after a complete stop, pull away slowly to prevent the wheels from sliding and/or getting stuck.
3. Slow down before going into any turns on the straight part of the road not during the turn. Take your foot off the break and do not accelerate.
Walk Like a Penguin
Sidewalks and parking lots tend to get slick too, avoid slick spots and take short steps like a penguin to help maintain your balance and reduce your chances for a fall.
When entering buildings with tile or other type of slick flooring surface watch your step, especially if your feet are wet.
www.okcentralreact.org
No comments:
Post a Comment