Always try to keep at least a half tank of fuel in your car. Although this is a great tip no matter the time of the year, it is critical in the winter. This will minimize your chance of running out of fuel. Also in the winter, any water in your fuel and

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Always try to keep at least a half tank of fuel
in your car. Although this is a great tip no
matter the time of the year, it is critical in
the winter. This will minimize your chance of
running out of fuel. Also in the winter, any
water in your fuel and fuel line has the
potential to freeze. With less fuel and more
water, the chance of this occurring is greater.
Also, as everyone knows, oil and water don't mix.
The water could be separated from the fuel, and
the chance of fuel line freeze-ups even greater.
2

• Before leaving to go anywhere, clear all ice and
  snow off of all glass, front, back and sides, off
  of the mirrors, the headlights and tail lights
  and off of your license plates. Check your
  windshield wipers to see if they move freely and
  make full contact with the windshield.

3

• Remember all the things that your learned in
  driver's ed? Drive in someone else's tire tracks
  for better traction, but if you see ice, move out
  of those tracks. If you start to skid, remember,
  get your foot off of the gas and don't use the
  brake. Don't make any sudden moves.

4

• Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze
  first. Intersections of roads are a common
  problem because all of the traffic in that area
  will pack down the snow and turn it to ice.

5

• If you have anti-lock brakes, don't pump the
  brakes. That'll make your situation worse because
  you don't have your foot on the brake all of the
  time.
• Stay slow. If you go fast, you're only going to
  hurt yourself and others.
• Drive safely.

6

• The leading cause of death during the winter
  storms is transportation accidents. Winter
  driving can be inconvenient, annoying, and even
  infuriating. You can offset these aggravations
  and minimize the special risks of winter driving.

7

• Prepare your vehicle for the winter season and
  know how to react if stranded or lost on the
  road. These are the keys to safe winter driving

8

• To prepare for winter driving remember the three
  Ps
• Prepare for the trip
• Protect yourself
• Prevent crashes on the road

9

• Maintain your car. Have a mechanic check the
  following items on your car
• Battery
• Antifreeze
• Wipers and windshield washer fluid
• Ignition system
• Thermostat
• Lights
• Flashing hazard lights
• Exhaust system
• Heater
• Brakes
• Defroster
• Oil level

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Have on hand

• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Several blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Extra newspapers for insulation
• Plastic bags for sanitation
• Matches
• Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
• Rain Gear and extra clothes
• Abrasive material (like sand or kitty litter) for
  generating traction under wheels

• Small Shovel
• Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• Booster cables
• Set of tire chains or traction mats
• Cards, games, puzzles
• Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
• Canned fruits and nuts
• Non-electric can opener
• Bottled water
• Cell Phone
• Flashlight and extra batteries

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• Plan your route and be familiar with the
  maps/directions to avoid confusion. Check the
  weather reports and adjust starting time. Let
  others know how you are coming and when youll
  arrive.

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If your car is stopped or stalled

• Stay with your car
• Dont over exert
• Put a bright marker on antenna/in windows/shine
  dome light
• Clear exhaust pipe, if you run your car
• Run your car and heater just long enough to
  remove the chill and open a down wind window
  slightly for ventilation.

13
Prevent crashes

• As always drugs and alcohol dont mix with
  driving it is worse on slippery roads
• Slow down and increase distances between cars
• Use your seat belt at all times

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This information from

• http//www.cityofshrewsbury.com/textonly.asp?Dept_
  ID0NavButton020203Main0202
• http//www.qcc.mass.edu/safety/winter_driving_tips
  .htm
• Submitted by Arricka Nowland, Resident Advisor,
  Rochester Institute of Technology