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Winter Driving Tips
The winter months are approaching and snow
will be on the way. Be prepared! Keep these things in mind….
Before starting out, always clear snow and
ice from the window and lights of your vehicle to increase your
visibility and to be seen by others. Don’t forget to clean the brake
lights too so that drivers behind you will know your intentions.
Accelerate slowly so that the wheels do not
spin. Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns.
Drive slower and increase your following
distance. The posted speed limits are for ideal conditions. On dry
pavement a car doing 20 m.p.h. can stop in 25 feet, but it can take up
to 150 feet to stop on an icy road. Slow down! In fact,
Illinois law requires motorists to slow down if a special hazard exists
due to weather or road conditions.
Roadway conditions may vary depending on the
sun, shade, or roadway surface. Watch for slick spots, especially under
bridges, on overpasses, and in shady spots. Be prepared to react
physically and mentally.
In rain, snow or sleet, do not overdrive
your headlights. Stay within the limits of your vision. Low beams work
better than high beams during snowy or foggy conditions. Illinois law
requires that your headlight be on if you are using your wipers due to
inclement weathers.
If your car is equipped with an antilock
braking system (ABS), press firmly on the brake pedal. Do not pump the
pedal or remove your foot from the brake. You will typically feel the
brake pedal “pulse” back against your foot. If your car does not have
ABS for braking under icy or snowy conditions it’s best to apply the
brake firmly to a point just short of lock-up, then ease off the pedal
slightly.
Finally, always buckle-up, regardless of how
fast or how far you are going.
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