Winter Driving Tips
Snow and ice can make driving extremely dangerous during the winter months, so making safer choices before and during driving can help prevent an emergency situation.
Have your mechanic conduct a winter maintenance check-up, watch the tire pressure, be sure the heater and defrosters are working properly, and purchase new wiper blades if current blades are worn out. Remember to keep your fuel tank full and don’t let it fall below half a tank. Keep an ice scraper/snow brush in your vehicle.
In the event of inclement weather, check social media sites like OHGO Real Time Ohio Traffic for road closures and warnings. Allow extra time to get to your destinations. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic ahead. Pay close attention to bridges and overpasses which tend to freeze over before the roads. Drive slowly when accelerating, turning, and braking because these take longer on snow-covered pavement.
Drivers are encouraged to carry a winter car kit in their vehicle to use in case of a breakdown while on the road. The kit can contain: cell phone and charger, road flares or reflectors, help sign, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, gloves, blanket or sleeping bag, small shovel and kitty litter, bottled water and energy snacks, and jumper cables.
When warming the vehicle up in your driveway, do not let it sit unattended and unsecured. Take your travel mug of coffee, wrap a scarf around your neck, and sit inside the car a few minutes until it is time to go. Car thieves are always on the prowl for unattended, running vehicles.
Safe driving everyone!
Kate McLaughlin
I am the Community Policing Specialist at the Euclid Police Department.