Winter Driving Safety PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 1 V.A.0.0 Winter Driving - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Winter Driving Safety PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 1 V.A.0.0

Winter Driving The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 2 V.A.0.0

Winter Driving Hazards Driving in the winter introduces hazards such as • Snow • Sleet • Ice • Slowed traffic • Slippery roadways • Frozen bridges • Fallen branches and powerlines • Other unforeseen dangers PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 3 V.A.0.0

Winter Driving Hazards Pay attention to weather conditions • Listen to radio forecasts • Watch the weather channel • Check the daily newspaper PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 4 V.A.0.0

Winter Driving Safety • Stay off of the road if possible • If this is not possible – Accelerate slowly – Increase your following distance – Brake early – Approach bridges, shaded spots and turns slowly – Never use cruise control – Use snow tires or chains PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 5 V.A.0.0

Three P’s of Winter Driving 1. Prepare 2. Protect 3. Prevent PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 6 V.A.0.0

Prepare Prepare for the trip • Maintain your car • Plan your route • Practice cold weather driving – Practice during the daylight – Steer into a skid – Know what your brakes will do – Know how stopping distances vary PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 7 V.A.0.0

Protect Protect yourself • Buckle up and use child safety seats properly • Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag • Children 12 and under are safe in the back seat PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 8 V.A.0.0

Prevent Prevent crashes • Do not mix drugs and alcohol with driving • Slow down • Increase distances between cars • Avoid fatigue • Watch out for pedestrians PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 9 V.A.0.0

Safety Precautions Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating properly Brakes • – Should provide even and balanced braking – Check that brake fluid is at the proper level Cooling system • – Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water Electrical system • – Check that battery is fully charged and that connections are clean – Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension Engine • – Inspect all engine systems PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 10 V.A.0.0

Safety Precautions Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating properly Exhaust system • – Check exhaust for leaks and that all clamps and hangers are snug Tires • – Check for proper tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear – Check for proper tire inflation Oil • – Check that oil is at the proper level Visibility systems • – Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (and wipers – Install winter windshield wipers PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 11 V.A.0.0

Safety Precautions Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle with the following items • Blankets/sleeping bags • Cellular telephone or two-way radio • Windshield scraper • Snow brush • Flashlight with fresh/extra batteries • Extra winter clothes • Shovel PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 12 V.A.0.0

Safety Precautions Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle with the following items • Tow chain • Matches • Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter) • Emergency flares • Jumper cables • Snacks • Water • Road maps PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 13 V.A.0.0

Winterizing Your Vehicle Check or have a mechanic check the following items • Antifreeze levels • Battery and ignition system • Brakes • Exhaust • Fuel and air filters PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 14 V.A.0.0

Winterizing Your Vehicle Check or have a mechanic check the following items • Heater and defroster • Lights and flashing hazard lights • Oil • Thermostat • Windshield wiper equipment • Install winter tires PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 15 V.A.0.0

If Stranded… If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle Stay in the vehicle • Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is • visible within 100 yards Display a trouble sign by hanging a brightly colored cloth on the • radio antenna and raising the hood Turn on the vehicle's engine for about 10 minutes each hour and run • the heat to keep warm Turn on the vehicle's dome light when the vehicle is running as an • additional signal PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 16 V.A.0.0

If Stranded… If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning • Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind • window slightly for ventilation Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia • Do minor exercises to keep up circulation • Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally • PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 17 V.A.0.0

If Stranded… If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping • Huddle together • Use newspapers, maps and even the removable car mats for • added insulation Avoid overexertion since cold weather puts an added strain on the • heart Be aware of symptoms of dehydration • PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 18 V.A.0.0

PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 19 V.A.0.0