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Even in Texas, snow and ice can create
hazardous driving conditions. Here are a few
tips to help make your winter driving safer:
Winterize your car before cold weather
starts
Check your oil and replace your antifreeze. Be
sure the heater, brakes, lights and windshield
wipers and washers are in good working order.
Check your tires for excessive wear or other
damage, and be sure they are properly
inflated.
Know what you’re getting into
Before you leave on a trip, check the weather
conditions on radio or television or call the
Texas Department of Transportation's toll-free
highway conditions line at (800) 452-9292.
Once you’ve begun your trip, stay tuned to
local radio stations for the latest on weather
and road conditions.
Understand the dangers of snow and ice
Elevated roadways freeze over first, so be
extra careful on bridges and overpasses. A
little snow or ice can be just as dangerous as
a lot of it. Snow and ice can melt as the
temperature rises during the day, only to
refreeze as glazed ice when temperatures dip
below freezing again. Snow melts more slowly
in shady areas.
Be prepared for the worst
Never drive with your fuel gauge near empty.
The last thing you want is to have to walk in
winter weather looking for a service station.
If you do become stranded, stay in your car
and wait for help. If you become cold, use
your car heater sparingly with plenty of
ventilation. Stay awake. Move your arms and
legs frequently to maintain circulation and
body warmth.
Pack your car with these items in case
problems arise:
- Extra layers of warm clothing, gloves,
head covering
- Plastic poncho and an umbrella for the
rain
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Nonperishable food and water
- Flashlight and a set of new batteries
- Cellular telephone or CB radio
- Matches and candles and a small fire
extinguisher
- First aid kit, including medication you
must take
- Small tool kit, tire gauge and your
automobile manual
- Ice scraper, jumper cables and tire
chains
- Coins, for using a pay telephone
- Warning devices, such as flares,
reflectors or battery-powered flashers
Maintain a safe driving distance
You should increase the distance from the
vehicle ahead of you according to the
conditions of the pavement. Many needless
rear-end collisions occur on icy streets
because drivers forget to leave stopping
space. To keep safe you must keep your
distance.
Reduce speed to match conditions
There is no such thing as a "safe"
speed range at which you may drive on snow or
ice. You must be extremely cautious until you
are able to determine how much traction you
can expect from your tires. Avoid locking your
brakes on glazed ice as that will cause a loss
of steering and control. Every city block and
mile of highway may be different, depending on
sun and shade and the surface of the roadway.
Keep your windows clear
Remove snow and ice before you drive, even if
you are just going for a short drive. Make
certain the windshield wipers and defroster
are working properly.
Get the feel of the road
Start out very slowly. It does no good to spin
the wheels. Test your brakes gently after the
car is in motion to determine how much
traction you will have. Start slowing down
before you come to a turn.
Use your common sense
Some safety tips should be obvious. Allow more
time for your travel. Never drive when you are
tired or sleepy. Always use your seat belt and
insist that all passengers buckle up also.
Never warm up your car in an enclosed space
such as a garage. Keep your headlights on in
overcast weather, even during the day.
Remember that your lights help other drivers
to see your car.
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