Winter Driving Tips

Overlooking the need to prepare for winter driving can be a mistake - and a deadly one at that. Driving on snow and ice demands concentration, awareness, skill and preparedness, and using common sense when inclement weather occurs. Conditions can change quickly. A road can be clear on the way to an appointment, yet hazardous when it's time to return. However, motorists can reduce their risks.
Being Prepared Reduces Risk:

• Battery, alternator and starter: All should be in good working order. If the battery is near the end of its life, ask an auto technician to do a load test. Replace it early to ensure consistent starts.
• Belts and hoses: If a belt or hose is showing wear or cracking, replace it.
• Brakes: Check wear and replace pads or other mechanics, if needed.
• Head, tail and emergency lights: Make sure all lights work.
• Heater, defroster and fan: Make sure all systems work.
• Radiator and antifreeze: Check fluid levels and antifreeze.
• Windshield wiper blades: Replace blades annually. Use a snow brush and ice scraper to clear the windshield, side and rear windows, head, tail, and side lights. Using wipers as ice scrapers can damage wiper blades and mechanisms. De-icer also can be helpful if a vehicle is left uncovered for a period of time.
• Wiper fluid: Windshield washer fluids vary; some more expensive brands are less likely to "slush." Monitor this and other fluid levels. Consider placing a spare bottle in the trunk.
• Tires: All-weather tires with good tread generally work in Kansas. If it's necessary to travel out of the state, a motorist may want to consider snow tires. Check the conditions of the spare tire, and if the jack and lug wrench are in place.

Use These Tips to Reduce Risks on the Road:

• Know before you go: Before you travel, check the weather conditions by listening to radio and television weather reports. You can also find out the latest weather-related road conditions by calling 511, the Kansas Advanced Traveler Information System. By calling 511 inside Kansas or 1-866-511-KDOT anywhere in the U.S., travelers can get route-specific road conditions and closures, construction detours and travel weather information for the Kansas State Highway System and the Kansas Turnpike. With updates every 15 minutes, Kansas 511 is a resource to help keep travelers informed about changing conditions. Information is provided every day, all day, and is free from landline phones. For cell phone users the call will mostly likely count against their minutes, but no roaming fee should be involved. Kansas road conditions are also available on the internet at http://511.ksdot.org. A statewide map will be displayed showing weather-related information on primary routes in the state. Below the state map you can click on links that will take you to regional map information. These maps show more routes, including all Kansas, U.S., and Interstate designated routes in the region. Adjust or postpone travel accordingly.
• Is travel absolutely necessary? Advise others of departure, estimated travel time and route. If you fail to arrive, rescuers will know where to begin their search.
• Travel during daylight hours.
• Allow extra time for delays and slower traffic speeds.
• Maximum visibility is very important. You must be able to see out, and other drivers must be able to see your vehicle. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, and lights. Use head lights as necessary.
• Buckle up and properly secure children in safety seats.
• Slow down. Allow extra stopping distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. And, keep an eye on the vehicle behind you. Ice and snow significantly increases your needed stopping distance.
• Reduce speed when approaching an intersection, which can be particularly dangerous as snow melts and refreezes, turning corners and approaching or using on and off ramps.
• Accelerate and brake gently. A light foot on the gas is less likely to make wheels spin on ice and snow.
• Proceed cautiously during rain and snow. The road can be slippery, especially when precipitation mixes with oil, grease, or dirt. Make turns slowly and gradually, especially in heavily traveled areas (such as intersections that may be icy from snow that melts and refreezes).
• What to do in a skid: The type of brakes dictates recommended responses. Generally, the rule is to turn into a skid and then correct, with care not to overcorrect. With anti-lock brakes, press firmly on the brake pedal. Without anti-lock breaks, let up on the gas and pump the brakes to avoid wheel lockup. Practice starts, stops, and responding to a skid in a parking lot.
• Slide of the Road: Staying with the vehicle is recommended. Tie a bright cloth or bandana to the antenna or put the hood up to signal the need for assistance. If you have a cell phone along, use it to call for help. To stay warm while waiting, bundle up and/or run the heater intermittently- perhaps 10 minutes an hour - to conserve fuel until help arrives. Lower windows two to three inches to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When Snow is a contributing factor and a car or truck slides into a ditch or snow bank, make sure that the area around the exhaust is clear so that carbon monoxide fumes will be exhausted.
• Keep the gas tank close to full to prevent condensation, add weights, and if stranded, provide the fuel needed to run the heater.
• Keep a survival kit that includes at least the following items: Ice scraper and shovel, Non-perishable food, Jumper cables, A first-aid kit, Flashlights, Matches and candles or flares, Sand for traction, A towrope or chain, Extra clothing or blankets.