If you have to drive, slow down | WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Published 10:25 am Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Bonney Lake Public Works Department offers the following tips for driving in winter conditions:

a) Drive DEFENSIVELY at all times. Scan ahead and check your rear view mirrors frequently, especially before turning, stopping, or backing.

b) MINIMIZE backing vehicles. Many accidents are caused by backing;

c) Normally, keep spacing between your vehicle and the one in front of you to three seconds…When snow, ice or heavy rain is on the road; increase this to 4-5 seconds;

d) Keep your speed reasonable and be in control of your vehicle at all times. When snow and ice is on the road you should not exceed 30-35 mph on highways and 15-25 mph within the city. Drive slower as road conditions warrant;

e) If you slide off the road into a yard or park strip, don’t tear up the area trying to drive out. Have someone pull you out;

f) Use your transmission to slow down instead of your brakes. DO NOT use cruise control;

g) When going down hills, turn off the Overdrive if your car is so equipped; alternatively, or at the same time, consider shifting from Drive to 2nd gear;

h) Use proper breaking techniques for the type of brakes on the vehicle. If anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure. If not anti-lock breaks, gently pump the brakes;

i) When turning corners, slow down as you approach the turn and coast through the turn. Don’t accelerate until the turn is completed and your vehicle has straightened out;

j) When changing lanes, coast so the ice and snow between lanes don’t cause your vehicle to slide;

k) Plan your trip. Try to avoid routes with steep slopes in them;

l) Place four to five bags of salt or sand in the back of your vehicle to improve traction;

m) Always plan more time to make a trip so you are not tempted to drive faster than road conditions warrant;

n) Don’t just clear a small section of the front windshield from snow and ice. Always clear off all windows. Brush snow off of headlights and brake lights;

o) If you start to slide, immediately take foot off of accelerator and off brakes. Straighten the wheels to get traction quicker. Then, gently apply brakes and steer back into your lane;

p) Trucks and SUVs can’t stop any quicker than other vehicles when sliding starts. Follow all the above rules regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive;

q) In the middle of a storm or when severe road icing exists, if you don’t need to drive…don’t;

r) Place a pail of cat litter or sand and a shovel in your vehicle. Use to gain traction when stuck;

s) Black Ice. Melting snow will freeze at night…beware;

t) Snow Plows. Keep away from snow plows to avoid possible damage to your car;

u) Parking. Park vehicles on driveways and off roads to give snow plows room to work and to avoid possible damage to your vehicle;

Summary: When in doubt, SLOW DOWN!

For more information, click here.