Safe Driving Tips for Winter

Winter is coming and safe driving takes on special importance, especially in areas where ice and snow can form on the road. Sometimes it's the grandparents who travel to the homes of their children and grandchildren. It is timely to review how to prepare for winter travel so you can be sure and enjoy the ride and the upcoming holidays.

Prepare Your Car and Yourself
1. Update your car's regular maintenance checks and update your records.

2. Prepare an emergency kit that includes not only tools but food for emergency, water and an extra supply of your medications. Add an extra blanket. Toss in some sunscreen to prevent sunburn from reflected snow. Pack some ice-remover spray and you can avoid the exertion required for scraping the windows.

3. If you can, invest in a GPS system and practice using it ahead of time. Some types take a little getting used to. Pre-program addresses you will likely use when on the road. Get some maps and understand the anticipated route. Unfortunately, GPS systems sometimes do not have updated information on newer roads and residential streets that have been built since the GPS database was created. Plan to remove your GPS from sight when you leave your car on a trip. Practice removing it and replacing it so that the routine becomes familiar to all drivers for the trip.

4. Obtain a car charger for your cell phone and practice a routine that will keep your cell charged at all times.

Get Ready for the Ride
If you are traveling far out of your local area, let someone at both ends of your destination know your route. If you get off your plan, let someone know so they won't send out the troupes. Check weather conditions before leaving. Even the best plans can get disrupted, if you get stranded have a plan and discuss it with all members who will be coming along. Here are some suggestions:

1. Dress warmly enough on the trip to be outside if you must leave the car for a while in the weather.

2. Stay in the car. Crack the car window, be sure your tailpipe is free of snow as carbon monoxide can build up if you leave the engine running to keep warm. Move around while in the car to keep your circulation going but don't tire yourself out too much.

3. Do not exhaust yourself if your tires get stuck in the mud or snow. You may need that energy to keep warm until someone comes for help.

Take it Easy on the Road
The National Safety Council offer these tips if you must drive in snowy or icy conditions:

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.

2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

3. Always drive with your lights on.

4. Keep your lights and your windshield clean.

5. Never use your cruise control on icy roads.

6. Be especially careful on bridges and overpasses. These roads will freeze first.

7. Never pass snow plows or sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and the road in front of them is probably worse than the road behind.

8. Just because your vehicle is four-wheel or front-wheel drive does not mean it can handle icy roads.

Also use caution when driving at night. Night vision is difficult for some seniors. Adding the complication of snow that can produce glare at night is sometimes a dangerous combination. If you must drive in wintery conditions at night, use fog lights and be sure your headlights are set at the proper height to help you and avoid blinding other oncoming drivers.

Pay Attention to Your Tires
Of course, tires are pretty important! Research says that most winter accidents result from loss of lateral control when driving on ice and snow. So, it matters where you live and what kind of weather you will be driving in. If you are planning to drive on snow, all-season tires are said to compromise cornering and grip potential on pavement. Snow tires that are stud-less are said to provide up to 20 percent better snow traction. Goodyear tires offer these tips for winter driving:

1. Consider buying a set of winter tires if you live in a cold zone.

2. Put additional weight in the back of a rear-drive car.

3. Wash off mud or ice to reduce wear on unbalanced tires.

4. Maintain your tires at the proper inflation.

Go Green When You Go
Little things can mean a lot. In the winter, it is tempting to start the car ahead of time. Open the window if you plan to do so. Harmful fumes are generated in cars that are allowed to idle for long periods. A greener way to start a car is to get in and prepare to drive ahead of starting the car. Use a block heater, if your car is equipped with one, to keep the engine ready for use. Statistics reveal that if you set the heater's timer two hours ahead of when you intend to start (instead of leaving it on all night) you can save fuel and improve emissions by 10 percent. Along your way, park in the sunlight to help keep your engine warm.

If ice builds up on your windshield while you are not in the car, avoid the temptation of pouring hot water to remove it. The temperature extreme could crack the windshield. A spray ice remover is much safer.

A little preparation can help you have a relaxed and safe winter trip.