Susan Frissell

Editor, WWW

As the weather changes, winter takes different forms. However, one thing is for certain: critical driving situations can, and do, present themselves during these months.

Continental Teves, a major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical rubber products has compiled a list of driving tips to aid drivers when navigating snowy, icy roads.

— Be patient. Give snowplows time to clear the roads and apply road salt before you venture out. During severe weather conditions, it might be wiser to just stay home, putting off errands until conditions improve.

— Check road conditions before traveling. Use extra caution when driving on bridges and overpasses; they freeze over first. Be aware of black ice, a condition that occurs when the road appears to be dry but is darker and shinier than usual. Slow down when driving through these areas.

— Always wear your safety belt! Three of five people killed in vehicle accidents would have survived their injuries had they been wearing their seat belts. Children 12 years and younger should sit in the rear seat. Infants weighing less than 20 pounds or under the age of one should be placed in a certified, rear-facing child safety seat. Children up to four years of age should be placed in a certified child safety seat.

— Plan Ahead. If possible, use alternate routes to avoid traveling up or down steep hills or on roads with sharp turns. Even if the drive takes you a little longer, it’s better to get there safely.

— Prepare your vehicle for winter driving. Keep your tires properly inflated, including the spare. Check tread depth regularly for excessive wear. Balled tires are an extreme hazard on icy, snowy roads. Consider snow tires if you live in an area with large amounts of snow. Replace wiper blades as needed (every six months to a year), and keep the windshield wiper reservoir filled.

— Keep extra distance between yourself and the car ahead of you. Slick conditions can greatly increase the distance it takes to come to a stop; stopping distances on snow may be 3-5 times longer than on dry roads.

— Take your time. Everything takes longer in slippery conditions—accelerating, stopping and turning. Avoid making any abrupt direction or steering changes; gradually accelerate, brake and steer. Allow for increased travel times.

— Stay Alert. Make sure you’re aware of what other drivers around you are doing. If you must use your cell phone, pull off the road in a safe area. And keep in mind, some cities and villages now have laws against driving and using a cell phone.

— Stay in Control. While driving on slick pavement, if your vehicle begins to skid, take your foot off the brake and gas pedals and turn in the direction of the skid. If you have to stop on a slippery surface and your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock brake system, remember to ‘Stomp, Stay and Steer’ (Stomp on the pedal, Stay on the pedal and Steer to a safe path). If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS, you may need to pump the brakes slowly to bring the vehicle to a stop. If your car begins to hydroplane while you’re driving through standing water, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply the brakes until the wheels regain contact with the road.

— Turn on your Low Beam Headlights. If your vehicle is not equipped with daytime running lights, keep your low beam headlights on, no matter what time of day it is.

— Get Help Quickly. If you encounter problems, pull off the road, if possible, open the car hood and turn on your hazard lights. Place a ‘Call Police’ sign in the rear window.