Driving Tips for this Mornings Icy Conditions
By: Stephanie Castillo
Updated: December 6, 2011
With cold weather and snow moving across West Texas, the City of Midland
would like to remind everyone to be safe when driving in icy
conditions.
First, if you can avoid driving in bad weather please do so.
Remove all snow from all your windows and windshield prior to driving.
While it is more comfortable and convenient to start your vehicle prior to driving, please don't start your vehicle, and wait for it to warm up inside your home or business. This creates opportunity for thieves. If you warm up your vehicle before driving please stay inside your vehicle.
Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. A good rule of thumb: leave at least three times more space than normal you and the car in front of you.
Keep your windshield clear using your wipers and defroster while driving .
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn your lights on to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Do not use the cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and lesser traveled roads, which freeze first. Even if temperatures are above freezing, if the conditions are wet, there could be ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
In addition to these safe-driving tips, be sure to stay warm and safe:
Avoid outdoor activities, and if you must be outdoors dress accordingly and take frequent breaks to warm up.
Keep your pets warm. If possible bring outdoor pets inside, or create some type of shelter for them. Do not place heaters or lamps inside doghouses or pet containers as thus creates a fire hazard.
Do not use your stove to heat your home.
Never leave space heaters unattended. Do not place space heaters near combustible material; includes curtains and bedding.
Ensure your smoke detectors are in good working order.
First, if you can avoid driving in bad weather please do so.
Remove all snow from all your windows and windshield prior to driving.
While it is more comfortable and convenient to start your vehicle prior to driving, please don't start your vehicle, and wait for it to warm up inside your home or business. This creates opportunity for thieves. If you warm up your vehicle before driving please stay inside your vehicle.
Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. A good rule of thumb: leave at least three times more space than normal you and the car in front of you.
Keep your windshield clear using your wipers and defroster while driving .
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn your lights on to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Do not use the cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and lesser traveled roads, which freeze first. Even if temperatures are above freezing, if the conditions are wet, there could be ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
In addition to these safe-driving tips, be sure to stay warm and safe:
Avoid outdoor activities, and if you must be outdoors dress accordingly and take frequent breaks to warm up.
Keep your pets warm. If possible bring outdoor pets inside, or create some type of shelter for them. Do not place heaters or lamps inside doghouses or pet containers as thus creates a fire hazard.
Do not use your stove to heat your home.
Never leave space heaters unattended. Do not place space heaters near combustible material; includes curtains and bedding.
Ensure your smoke detectors are in good working order.
