Some are new to winter conditions, others have perhaps forgotten the basics, so
The Nugget reprints here some driving tips from the Oregon Department of
Transportation, and we've thrown in a few of our own.
* On the ice: At 30 degrees ice is twice as slippery as it is at 0 degrees. It
forms first and lasts longer on bridges and in the shade. If you hit an
unexpected patch, don't try to brake, accelerate or downshift. Let up on your
accelerator and let your vehicle "roll" through the slippery area.
* Skidding: If you go into a skid, act quickly by taking your foot off the
accelerator. Keep your foot off the brake and steer in the direction the rear
of the vehicle is skidding. Use a light touch.
* Braking: For front-and-rear wheel-drive vehicles with disc or drum brakes,
the National Safety council recommends squeezing the brakes with a slow, steady
pressure until just before they lock. When you feel them start to lock, ease
off until your wheels are rolling; then squeeze again. Brake SMOOTHLY!
* Chaining up: Look, just because you are chaining up does not give you
immunity if someone else loses control. If you have stopped near a heavily used
traffic lane and are lying there with your feet in the road, well, whatever
happens is partially your fault. Put your chains on in a place where you will
be safe, and not a hazard to others.
* Deer: When you see deer or other animals ahead, slow down. Avoid animals if
possible, but do not swerve into the on-
coming
lane and risk a head-
on
collision or run off the road and risk hitting another object.
* Dead batteries: When jumping batteries connect one cable to the (+) terminal
of each battery. Then connect one end of the second cable to the (-
)
terminal of the booster battery and the other end to a nut or bolt on the
engine. Do not connect it to the (-
)
of the discharge battery.
Start the engine of the helper vehicle and let it run a few minutes, then start
the disabled vehicle engine. Remove cables in the exact REVERSE order.
* Stay clear of plows and sanders: Slow down. Plows and sanders will pull over
periodically to let traffic pass. It's risky to pass on the left of a snow plow
because of blowing snow. Never pass on the right. Flying rock can damage your
car if you pass a sander. The best advice is to stay three car lengths behind
plows and sanders.
* Stay in line when traveling to or from a snow zone. Don't blaze your own
trail, especially going downhill.
* Safety belts and child safety seats will keep you and your child from being
thrown around inside your vehicle should you go into a skid or hit an object.
* Clear all windows of snow, ice or fog before starting out. Also clear any
snow off the hood -- it comes loose when driving.
* Turn on your low beam head lights -- and check to make sure they are on low
beam.
* Dirty headlights can cut visibility by 50 percent or more. Keep all lenses
free of dirt. Don't forget the directional lights, taillights and rotating
lights.
* Tires need adequate tread for traction in snow and to reduce the risk of
hydroplaning in rain or puddles on the road.
* Following distance: Maintain at least three times the normal following
distance on snow or ice. If you are being followed too closely, maintain an
extra distance behind the vehicle ahead so that you can slow down or brake
gradually.
And finally, if the roads are too hazardous for your driving skills or the
vehicle you have available, stay home or call a friend to get a ride.
