Hotshot Connect Forum :: WINTER DRIVING TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

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WINTER DRIVING TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

Bridgestone Winter Driving School Director and Pro Race Driver Mark Cox lives and drives through the winter months in Steamboat Spring, Colo. Cox has helped Bridgestone/Firestone put together the best strategic advice to take your vehicle on the snow-laden roads in the real world by offering winter driving tips to help you and your family reach your destination safely.

Before you drive:

Check windshield wiper blades to make sure they work properly. In some areas, snow blades are an effective alternative to conventional wiper blades.

Have your mechanic test the anti-freeze/coolant to provide the correct level of protection required in your driving area.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Letting air out to drive in snow can reduce the gripping action of tires because the tread will not meet the road surface as it was designed to do. Over-inflation has the same effect.

Use dedicated snow and ice tires if you live in areas where snow and ice are certainties of winter driving. Snow and ice tires have a softer tread compound and a unique tread design to provide enhanced traction and road-gripping capabilities. Install snow tires all the way around the vehicle, not just on the drive axle.

Keep your gas tank at least half-full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems within your fuel system. It also adds a margin of safety should you become stopped or stranded during your trip.

Try to remove ice and snow from your shoes before getting in your vehicle. As they melt, they create moisture build-up, causing windows to fog on the inside. You can reduce this fogging by turning the air re-circulation switch to the OFF position. This brings in drier, fresh air. You can also run your air conditioner for a few minutes, which serves as a dehumidifier.

Scrape the ice and snow from every window and the exterior rear view mirrors, not just a small patch on the windshield. Don’t forget headlights and brake lights.

You and your passengers should always use safety belts, both lap and shoulder straps. Pull them snuggly to ensure they work properly.

Adjust headrests so that the back of the head rests squarely in the center of the headrest. Rear-end collisions are common in winter driving and a properly adjusted headrest can prevent, or reduce, neck injuries.

Turn off your radio. Although your radio can provide helpful traffic information, it can also be a distraction for some drivers. Remember, driving is more a mental skill than a physical skill.

Don’t use a cellular phone. Even if you have a hands-free model, you need to concentrate on driving, not on a telephone conversation when driving on ice or snow.

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Keep your vehicle stocked with simple emergency equipment in case you do get stalled or have an accident. Consider keeping these items in your vehicle.

1. A blanket or extra clothes 7. Long jumper cables

2. A candle with matches 8. A small shovel

3. Snacks 9. A flashlight

4. Beverages (never alcohol) 10. A windshield scraping device

5. Flares 11. A tow rope

6. C.B. radio, cellular phone or hand radio 12. A bag of sand or cat litter for traction

During winter months, keep abreast of weather reports in your area. If snow or ice is predicted, make plans to leave early or arrive later. An alarm clock set to an earlier time can be a good friend in helping you avoid difficulties.

If you can move a night trip to daylight hours, do so. Not only is visibility better, but if your vehicle is stalled, you are more likely to receive prompt assistance during the daytime.

Before you shift into gear, plan the best route to your destination. Avoid hills, congested areas and bridges if possible.

When you drive:

Adjust your speed to the current conditions. When driving in challenging conditions, decreasing your speed will allow more time to respond when a difficult situation arises. Factors such as the type of vehicle you are driving, the quality of snow tires your car is equipped with, and your abilities as a driver should be considered in the speed adjustment. Remember that posted speed limits identify the maximum speed allowed when weather conditions are ideal. Law enforcement agencies can write citations to motorists driving the posted speed limit if weather conditions warrant a slower speed.

Anticipate difficult situations. Studies have shown that 80% of all accidents could be prevented with only one more second to react. In many situations, this one second can be gained by looking far enough down the road to identify problems before you become a part of them. Be alert to the actions of other drivers. Put extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If someone is too close behind you, don’t speed up; slow down and let them go around you.

Use grip effectively. When roads are slippery, you should use the entire available grip. Brake only before the curve when the car is traveling straight. Taking your foot off the brake before you steer into the curve allows you to use all of the grip available for steering. Don’t accelerate until you begin to straighten the steering wheel when exiting the turn.

This technique will allow you to be 100% effective at each maneuver. In many situations, better grip or traction can be gained by placing the outside wheels toward the shoulder of the road, out of the ruts which may have formed in the center. The difference in traction can cause the car to be unbalanced during the transition from rut to shoulder – so be alert.

Maintain a comfortable driving environment. A constant flow of cool air will help to keep you alert, and keep the windows clear of frost. Keeping one window slightly open will allow you to hear sirens and other warning sounds more quickly. Avoid large bulky boots, gloves and coats, and never drive in ski boots.

Turn on your lights. Whenever daytime visibility is less than ideal, turning on your lights allows you to see, and to be seen by others. Remember this rule of thumb. Wipers On – Lights On.

When driving at night, leave your headlamps on low beam when driving in snow or fog. This practice minimizes the reflection and glare, improves visibility, and reduces eye fatigue. When oncoming cars approach, focus on the right side of the roadway to help maintain good night vision.

Keep a smooth, progressive and light touch on the brakes for normal braking. Even in a car equipped with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System). In the event of an emergency in an ABS-equipped car, press the pedal HARD and hold it down. Remember that an ABS-equipped car can also steer around many obstacles while braking. Perhaps a better description of ABS would be: “Allows you to Brake and Steer.”

Keep both hands on the wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions. And steer smoothly in the direction that you want to go. Avoid the “hand over hand technique.” Instead, utilize the shuffle technique and keep the right hand on the right side of the wheel and the left hand on the left side of the wheel. While it may sound overly simple, it can help you avoid skids.

Be careful when using downshifting as a way to slow the vehicle. Even though manual transmissions may provide greater control to assist with braking, gear changes should always be made smoothly in the straightaway before the corner. Abrupt gear changes may upset a vehicle’s balance and cause a skid to occur, especially while cornering.

Don’t overestimate the capability of four-wheel drive vehicles. Many drivers mistakenly believe that four-wheel drive is all-powerful. Every type of vehicle depends on four small contact patches where the tire meets the road for traction. This small contact area is the limiting factor of any vehicle on a slippery surface. Four wheel drive does not improve braking or cornering effectiveness.

Anti-lock brakes can’t perform miracles. Don’t be misled by ABS braking systems. Braking efficiency is limited by the grip available, and the type of tires with which your car is equipped. If you carry too much speed into a corner and then try to brake, even ABS won’t keep you on the road. Never count on technology to replace good judgment.

Wear quality sunglasses. Good quality sunglasses help highlight changes in the terrain and road surface even in low visibility conditions.

The world’s best drivers are trained to anticipate problems early and direct the vehicle appropriately before they become involved in a problem. Reacting too quickly can be dangerous if the driver’s response is inappropriate.

When driving up a steep hill, gain speed and momentum on the flat before starting uphill. When the car begins to slow part way up the hill, ease up on the accelerator, allow the car to slow down and crest the hill slowly. If you try to accelerate too hard and the wheels spin, you may lose momentum and not make it to the top. It’s better to reach your destination at a slower speed than to not make it at all.

If you have trouble, run the engine only briefly – not continuously -- to run the heater. Regularly make sure that the exhaust pipe is clear of snowdrifts or other obstructions. Carbon monoxide can accumulate more easily in a non-moving vehicle.

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12 Safety Tips for Winter Driving

Hello. I'm Randy DeVault, a driver/freight handler from Roadway's Augusta, Maine, facility. During my 29 years as a professional driver, I have experienced and learned a lot about what it takes to stay safe in all types of weather. I'd like to share some of my tips to help you stay safe while driving in winter weather. You've probably heard many of these tips before but when it comes to safety, a few more reminders can't hurt.

#1 Be Prepared.
You have to get ready for what you may encounter. You may say this is common sense, and it is. But how many of us jump in our vehicle when the weather looks nice and end up in a storm? I suggest:

Proper clothing (loose layers, extra gloves, rain gear)
A flashlight in the glove box
A blanket, food, and water
A bag of sand or salt and extra washer fluid
A windshield scraper
Jumper cables
Tire chains or traction mats
Have at least a half tank of gas at all times during the winter season
Plan long trips carefully - what weather conditions may you encounter?
#2 Complete a Pre-Trip Inspection.
Professional drivers are required to inspect their vehicles before every trip. We do a visual, hands-on inspection and check all important items, including tires, wiper blades and fluid, lights, and tires. You should check your vehicle often. And be sure to have a mechanic check it at the start of the winter season. I can't count how many times I have stopped to help someone on the side of the road with a flat and have found their spare tire also flat. You should check your spare on a regular basis.

#3 Slow down.
Many accidents occur during this time of year because drivers are going too fast for conditions. A slower speed gives you more time to react if something occurs. Extra patience and care for other drivers can go a long way this time of year.

#4 Give yourself extra space.
Allow for more room between yourself and other vehicles. You should always have enough space and time to move out of harm's way.

#5 Hold your steering wheel firmly.
Sudden, sharp moves can quickly cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Stay steady through ruts in the road, heavy wind, and on ice.

#6 Brake and accelerate lightly.
Try not to do anything forcefully in bad weather. When you need to slow down quickly in slippery conditions, try lightly pumping your brakes. This reduces your chance of locking your tires and spinning out of control.

If your vehicle has ABS brakes, it is recommended that you hold the brake down as far as possible in an emergency. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking enabling you to steer around obstacles.

#7 Watch for black ice.
This is a very dangerous condition. Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms when the temperature is around the freezing point. It sometimes makes the road look slightly wet. This can sneak up on you so, when the temperature gets close to freezing, I look for clues:

ice build-up on my mirror arms, antenna, or the top corners of my windshield
when the spray from tires on vehicles in front of me stops
#8 Use extra caution when approaching bridges.
Elevated structures like bridges and highway overpasses usually freeze first and many are not treated with ice/snow melt materials (salt, sand) like the rest of the road. I've seen many vehicles traveling fine on the highway, but as soon as they get on a bridge they spin out of control. Black ice is often found on bridges.

#9 Mountain driving is often hazardous.
Mountain weather can be severe in winter and can change rapidly. Be ready for wind gusts and stay aware of emergency vehicles and snowplows. If at all possible, do not stop in avalanche zones. Obey posted rules. Tire chains may be required for certain routes.

#10 Obey all road signs.
A simple, yet effective tip. Safety authorities post this information for a reason. I've seen many drivers get into trouble just by ignoring a sign.

#11 If stranded or stuck, stay in your vehicle.
If you get stuck in a bad storm or blizzard and you can't see a close place to seek assistance, stay put! It's easy to get confused in a bad storm and you may get lost.

This is a time to use those supplies mentioned in tip #1. You should also keep moving to stay warm. And to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Only run your engine for ten minutes each hour.

#12 If conditions look bad, get off the road.
Don't push your luck. Use your best judgment. Listen to weather reports and warnings and react appropriately. This tip can help you avoid having to use tip #11.

...and the last, but certainly not the least important tip: Never Leave Without Your "Keys." All Roadway drivers are trained to use the Smith System® safety education program that utilizes the "5 Keys To Space Cushion Driving." The 5 keys are: Aim High in Steering - make sure you're looking far enough ahead of your vehicle so you have time to react to any hazardous situation; Get the Big Picture - look all around your vehicle; Keep Your Eyes Moving - continuously scan the entire area; Leave Yourself an Out - always have an escape plan for you and your vehicle; and Make Sure They See You - make other drivers aware of your presence.

I can personally attest to the importance of using the Smith System® while driving. I use the 5 Keys all day, every day.

Thanks for reading my tips and remember to always drive safely!