 | Mickey H. DeHook is a 30 year, nationally recognized, law enforcement veteran and trainer. He was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He is also a police consultant and expert witness on liability issue lawsuits filed against law enforcement agencies. He has received numerous state and national awards in traffic safety and criminal investigations. Mickey has appeared on radio and television and lectured throughout the United States on the issues of domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse, child abuse, self-defense for women, and traffic safety. Mickey also has a program called "On The Line...You Make The Call," for college student-athletes. It's an interactive program designed to make the student-athlete aware of the temptations and resulting choices he or she may be faced with in his or her daily life. You can contact Mickey at (620) 327-2222, or e-mail: mdehook@kscable.com |
Safety
2002-01-01 14:20:00
What you need to know about winter driving
Question: Somewhere last year I read an article on winter driving and things to remember. I thought it was very well done. Do you have someone who might be able to provide it again?
Answer: Thank you for the question. I will do the best I can. A brush-up can never hurt. Winter driving in Kansas is just around the corner. Winter driving can be a challenging and hazardous experience. However, with planning and preparation you can overcome these hazards and make Kansas highways a safer place for your and other drivers.Common sense is the key to winter driving. Monitoring the weather, traveling only when necessary, keeping your speed down and driving defensively can help you safely complete your trip.Driving in winter conditions can be dangerous, especially for those of us who have become "rusty" in driving on snow and ice.Before the winter driving season begins, make sure your vehicle is prepared. Preparation for Kansas winters means more than just an oil change and anti-freeze check. Make sure you check, or have checked the following items:l. Check your car's fluid levels to include anti-freeze, transmission, differential, power steering and brakes, and windshield wiper solvent.2. Checking belts, hoses and brake systems for excessive wear can save time, heartache and in some cases, lives.3. Have your battery tested to make sure it's holding its charge. If not, replace it. The most frequent cause of winter no-starts is loose or corroded cable clamps.4. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. They will wear quickly in the cold and excessive ice.5. Have the entire exhaust system checked for leaks. Small leaks can lead to carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can enter the passenger compartment. Small amounts can lead to drowsiness and have fatal consequences.6. Check your tires tread depth and check for uneven wear. Traction is an extremely important factor in winter driving. Remember...reducing tire pressure doesn't increase traction, it only increases wear.Winter driving, with rain, sleet, snow, ice and wind is dangerous driving. High stress...you cannot see as well...you cannot stop or maneuver your car as well. Two biggest dangers....#1 reduce visibility....#2 reduce grip on the road. No matter who you are or how many years you been driving the odds are 5 times greater you'll have a traffic crash.Winter Driving Tips:* Allow enough time. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.* Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.* Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe place to use a snow brush or ice scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.* Increase following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Ice and snow significantly increase your stopping distances.* Accelerate and brake gently. Make turns slowly and gradually especially at heavily traveled areas like intersections that may become icy from snow that has melted and refrozen. A light foot on the gas is less likely to produce wheel spinning on ice and snow. Braking is best accomplished by an easy pumping action on the pedal. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), it is imperative that you understand how to use it. Reading the vehicle owner's manual or checking with your dealership will provide more information on ABS.* If you lose traction and begin to slide....steer toward the direction you want to go. Anticipate a second skid in the opposite direction as the car straightens out.REMEMBER: ALWAYS BUCKLE-UP.... AVOID SUDDEN STOPS AND QUICK DIRECTION CHANGES... LEAVE MORE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE AHEAD AND SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!Check weather forecasts and road reports regularly. The Kansas statewide toll-free road condition hotline is 1-800-585-ROAD.If you become stranded in a winter storm:* Don't Panic...If you should become stuck in the snow or stalled during a storm. Work slowly and carefully. People have suffered heart attacks from the over-exertion of attempting to manually push a car or shoveling heavy snow drifts. Bitter cold temperatures, blinding snow, and strong winds can also be a factor that will sap your strength unless you are in top physical condition.* Don't attempt to find help by walking. You can quickly become disoriented in blowing and drifting snow. Your car provides the best protection from the weather and you are more likely to be discovered by law enforcement or maintenance crews if you remain in your car.* Keep fresh air circulating. Carbon monoxide can build up in a tightly closed vehicle, especially one sealed by blowing or drifting snow. Run the motor sparingly and open only the downwind window to provide proper ventilation.* Keep active. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs vigorously from time to time to stimulate circulation, relieve muscle tension and to help keep you awake.* Turn on your dome light. The light will help you observe others in the car and make your car visible to passersby.* Do not permit all occupants of the vehicle to sleep at the same time.WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT:* Snow shovel* Several wool or thermal blankets or sleeping bags.* Matches, "Sterno", and several candles* Metal coffee can. This can be used to melt snow as a water supply* Extra containers with sand, rock salt, or "kitty litter". These may be helpful in regaining some traction.* First aid kit* Flashlight* Tow rope or chain* Extra winter clothing* Non-perishable food (candy bars, crackers)* Fuses* Jumper cables* Ice scraper* Red flag* Tissues and/or paper towelsNote: Having a cellular phone when stranded... allows you to call for help!
