Take it Slow on Ice and Snow, AAA Advises

NEWS from AAA South Dakota, Dec. 15 – Driving on ice and snow can be treacherous. AAA reminds motorists to take it easy on slick roadways, allow extra time to get where you’re going and drive slowly.

Dress in layers. Heavy coats and gloves offer warmth outside but after the vehicle warms up, they should be taken off to allow you full head and arm movement.

Before driving, remove any snow or ice on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.

Here are some tips from AAA to offer South Dakotans:

• Drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
• Watch for black ice. Roads that seem dry may actually be slippery and dangerous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas – all are hot spots for that hard-to-detect black ice.

• Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you. The way other vehicles are behaving will alert you to problems more quickly and give you a split-second of added time to react safely.
• The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. When accelerating on snow or ice, do so slowly to avoid slipping and sliding. Your traction is greatest just before your power wheels start to spin.
• Brake early, brake slowly and never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have ABS, gently pump the pedal. Either way, leave yourself lots of room to stop.
• Don’t use cruise control when driving on ice and snow, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers to lessen the chances of skidding.
• Give snowplows and sand trucks a wide berth – stay well behind these vehicles and don’t attempt to pass them.

Make sure your vehicle is road-worthy. Check the battery, tires, wiper blades,

fluids, lights, belts and hoses. Breaking down is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.

Carry a winter emergency road kit: ice scraper, snow brush, cell phone with charger cord, booster cables, flashlight with extra batteries, warm clothing and blankets, a first aid kit, paper towels, candy bars, simple tools (screwdrivers, pliers and the like), a “Send Help” banner, and clay-based kitty letter or sand to throw in front of the power wheels if you’re stuck on an icy incline and can’t get traction.