The first snow of the season has fallen across the region and driving today, Nov. 21, and tomorrow during the morning commute could be dangerous.
Here are some driving tips from Jeff Harmon, Maple Valley police officer.
Safe Winter Driving
Winter weather is here, along with the hazardous driving conditions that often accompany it.
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don’t go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.
Even before you start driving, there are some important steps to take.
Clear the accumulated snow and ice from the windows, hood, lights, roof and license plate.
Make sure you have winter grade oil in the crankcase.
Keep the fuel tank full.
Check your tires and make sure you have at least 1/8 inch tread depth and proper inflation.
Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car including things like a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables and first aid supplies.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
5. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads or when there is standing water on the roadway.
6. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first.
7. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
8. Keep a light touch on your vehicle’s controls. When driving on snow and ice, smoothness is the key. Sudden movements will almost always result in loss of traction on slippery roads.
9. Brake early, brake slowly, and brake smoothly.
10. If your rear wheels skid, steer in the direction you want to go.
Remember, even four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on icy roads.
