Winter Safe Driving Tips 2013-10-29 The Benton-Franklin Traffic Safety Task Force reminds motorists it is time to be prepared for winter driving conditions on all roadways. Here are a few tips from the Washington State Patrol for safe driving during winter. • Clear off your vehicle windows, lights, hood and roof to avoid vision being blocked. • Speed limits are set for dry pavement. Slow down during bad weather and take extra precautions. Pay attention and leave plenty of room for stopping. • Do not use cruise control in wintry conditions. Roads that appear clear can have slippery spots and touching your brake to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. • Do not get overconfident with your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Remember a 4x4 vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it wont help you stop any faster. In fact, many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Also, a 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle. • Allow extra time to get to where you are going, especially in cold, snowy, icy conditions. • Be prepared for bad weather. Stock your car with basic winter driving equipment: a scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain or strap, and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Also include road flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing, and a flashlight with batteries. • Before starting your trip, check out road and weather conditions at WSDOTs website: wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by calling the toll free telephone line at 1-800-695-ROAD or 1-206-DOT-HIWY or 511**. • Tires with metal studs imbedded may be used beginning November 1, provided they are removed by April 1.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 18:31:38 +0000
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