By Snow & Ice Management Association
The following tips can help drivers navigate hazardous conditions in winter weather:
TIP #1: Wear the right shoes. While fashion is great, the right shoes to navigate snow and ice place the entire foot on the surface of the ground and have visible, heavy treads and a flat bottom.
TIP #2: Be prepared. Have an ice scraper and brush in your car–not in the trunk, as snow may make it difficult to open the trunk. Have a full tank of gas; check the tire pressure, battery, and oil. Wear the proper clothing–boots, gloves, hats, scarves, etc., and take extra clothes. Charge your cell phone before leaving home and take a car charger. Carry a safe winter car kit containing items such as kitty litter, rock salt, a shovel, a blanket, flares, water, etc.
TIP #3: No need for speed. Slow down. The time you need to stop, the possibility of sliding increases when it starts to snow or when freezing conditions persist.
TIP #4: Check the weather reports. Listen to the news to hear about your local road conditions before starting out. Pay careful attention to what roads are impassable and plan another route. If the roads are hazardous or closed, stay home.
TIP #5: Conditions nice for ice. In the coming days, watch for areas where melting and refreezing may exist and for black ice–ice that looks like wet pavement. These areas may include parking lot drainage areas, roof gutters, piles of snow as well as overhangs, between parking spaces or buildings, or on walkways.