Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter in the Midwest usually means guaranteed snowfall. Although fresh fallen snow is beautiful, it also leads to dangerous driving conditions. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe on the road this winter.

Get Your Vehicle Regularly Serviced

• If your vehicle needs serviced, get it done now...especially before traveling. The Knoepfler Chevrolet Service Department can check your tire pressure, cooling system, battery and charging system and ensure that your windshield wipers are working correctly with the reservoir full.

Check Road Conditions

• If you do not have to leave, stay home. Wait till the roads are cleared and cleaned before venturing out.
• If you do have to leave, check local news stations, internet traffic sites and weather sites for road conditions. Look further ahead in traffic while driving to check the actions by other drivers to give yourself more reaction time.

Be Prepared

• Keep your gas tank close to full.
• Make sure to have basic equipment in your vehicle in case you get caught in a snowstorm. Pack an ice scraper, shovel, blankets, winter clothes, boots, cell phone car charger, food and water. Have a bright piece of clothing or material you can tie to your antenna so that your vehicle is easier to spot in the snow. 
• Run your heater to stay warm, but make sure exhaust pipe is clear of snow. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon dioxide poisoning.  

Drive Cautiously

• Before you leave, clear off your vehicle completely of ice and snow to avoid obstructed vision.
• Drive slowly. Remember the posted speed limited is for dry pavement.
• Be alert. Even if you have plenty of winter driving experience, the drivers around you may not.
• Leave yourself plenty of room for stopping.
• Do not use your cruise control during wet, snowy or icy road conditions.
• Be extra cautious on bridges and exit ramps.

Sources:
https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/Departments/SnowIce/SafeWinterDrivingTips.aspx
http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.VlizpFMvmpo
https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/winter-driving-safety-tips.aspx
http://www.cartalk.com/content/winter-driving-tips-7