BEFORE YOU GO
- Make sure all the fluids in your vehicle are filled up and ready for winter. That means antifreeze in the coolant system, a de-icer for your wiper fluid, and at least a half tank of gas all the time. Ensure vehicle tires are inflated correctly.
- Check exterior cameras, sensors and lights on the vehicle – remove any snow, ice or dirt that may interfere with operating properly.
- In your trunk; consider keeping an ice scraper and a snow shovel, some sand or kitty litter, blankets, gloves, stocking cap, hand warmers, flashlight, jumper cables, warning devices and windshield de-icer.
- Check road conditions BEFORE leaving.
ON THE ROAD
- Slow down on ice or snow. We suggest increasing the following distance from 3 to 4 seconds to 8 to 10 seconds.
- Try not to stop if you’re driving up a hill.
- Give MoDOT plenty of room – and drive a safe distance behind the snow plow, NOT next to it.
- Never use your cruise control on wet, slippery (snow/ice/sand) roads.
- When braking, apply firm, continuous pressure with antilock brakes; for non-antilock brakes, pump the pedal gently.
- In a skid, ease your foot off the gas and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go; stay off the gas and brakes until you regain control.
BROKEN DOWN, OR STUCK
- Call 911 or *55 for roadside assistance.
- Activate your vehicle hazard lights- Stay in the vehicle (it’s warmer, and easier for someone to find you there).
- Keep the inside dome light on – it doesn’t use much power, and it’s an indicator your vehicle is occupied.
- To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide, don’t run your vehicle for long periods of time with the window up or in an enclosed space; keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and run the engine only long enough to stay warm.
These are just a few tips Todd and I wanted to pass along before winter strikes with a fury.
Safe Travels!