Winter Driving Safety

Prepare Your Car Before a Snowstorm

• Check under the hood and take a look at your car’s cooling system. Make sure you have plenty of antifreeze and the hoses are in good condition.
• Test heaters and defrosters ahead of time to make sure they’re in good working condition.
• Test your windshield wipers and check the condition of your wiper blades. If wipers leave streaks on your windshields, replace the blades.
• Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid and use a washer/antifreeze solution.
• Check all your lights & periodically clear them of snow and dirt.
• Car batteries need extra power in cold conditions. Make sure the battery’s terminals are clean and cables are secure.
• Fill up. Keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter to help avoid gas line freeze up.

Driving During & After a Snowstorm

• Wear sunglasses. You might want to keep a pair in the car just in case the sun is reflecting off the snow.
• Be aware of blind spots created by snow banks.
• Be extra cautious of pedestrians and other vehicles in intersections.
• Allow extra time for braking and increase the distance between you and the car ahead of you.
• Reduce your speed and don’t exceed the posted limit.
• If you start to lose traction, don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas gradually reduce your speed. Accelerate again slowly once you feel traction is regained.
• If you start to skid, steer in the direction of the skid. Remember, steering can be more important than braking on slippery roads.