Winter is hereEverything is different

The way your car works and operatesRoads are treacherousDaylight is minimalWeather is throwing snowballs left and rightDrivers are in a hurry or either don’t worry

about roads and there conditions, some become tense and nervous.

Pay attention and adjust your speedPeople involved in motor vehicle accidents

frequently say that road or weather conditions are the cause of the accident. They are not causes of accidents they are only

contributing factors.The cause is the operators failure to adjust

their driving to the dangerous conditions.

PrepareWinter driving in Alaska is hazardous but

with proper vehicle preparation driver information and driving skills the chances of making a trip safely are greatly increased.

Remember a courteous driver is a smart driver.

Never Drink and Drive

Alcohol related injuries are an epidemic in Alaska.

Motor vehicle fatalities are heavily impacted by alcohol use. (More than 50% of deaths in motor vehicle accidents involved alcohol)

Keeping your car tuned so it can run efficiently. This will reduce chances of breaking down on side of road.

The battery- cold weather makes vehicles harder to start. Always keep the battery and terminals clean to insure good connections.

Keep battery fully charged, recharge or replace when necessary.

Maintenance

Check condition of ignition wires and check distributor cap for cracks.

Heating and cooling system: Have the anti freeze in the radiator checked,

check for cracks and leaks in hoses and have them replaced before you add antifreeze.

Make sure your putting off enough heat from heater, to make sure car can keep good visibility and not freeze over.

Check intake vents for any debris or other matter that can cause blockage.

Exhaust System Be sure to have the entire exhaust system

checked for leaks. Carbon monoxide is a killer and even a small leak in the system can cause serious complications.

Windshield Wipers and WashersVisibility is everything, replace blades that

streak and keep windshield washer reservoir filled with washer fluid meant for sub zero temperatures.

TiresRegular tires should have a good tread for the

bite needed when driving on snow and ice. To improve braking and handling use snow tires , studded snow tires, or chains. Note that studs can only be used from September

15-May 1.

Brakes and suspension At least every fall have your brakes checked

and adjusted. Suspension problems can cause handling and braking problems.

Lights Make sure headlights, tail lights, brake lights

and all warning lights are operational.

SeatbeltsMake sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing

one and is in full operation.

Emergency KitFlashlight with new batteries every 6 monthsSnowbrushTire ChainsWork GlovesSmall ShovelSand BagCold weather clothes Jumper Cables Non Perishable foodTow Strap Ice ScraperFlares or Highway Warning KitFirst Aid KitCandles and Matches

Get Set Then GoBe sure to drive with your headlights on at all

times. Totally clear all windows, the hood and trunk

and roof of the car of snow and ice before driving. Many people fail to totally clear off the roof

area. Just the movement of the car and stops can cause snow to slide into the windshield or rear window limiting driver vision.

Plug it in Plug it inIf you can’t park in a cozy garage, plug your

vehicle in. It has less wear and tear when engine is warm. It also produces fewer pollutants. Give your engine a warm up period.

DON’T WARM CAR IN GARAGE!

Driving on Snow and IceStart out slow, be careful not to spin your

tiresTest your brakes at slow speed to see how

slick roads are. Be sure there are no vehicles behind you.

Be aware of ice patches in shaded areas, curves and bridges. Intersections are almost always icy.

Slow down approaching intersections and stops.

Watch for hidden objectsRemember snow banks often hide danger.Watch for stalled vehicles, hidden driveways,

pedestrians and animals.

Travel at a safe following distanceStay back at least two car lengths for every

10MPH of speed. In winter use the 4 second rule instead of the 2 second rule. (When the car ahead of yours passes a fixed object begin counting) if your car gets to fixed object before 4 you are to close.

Brake CarefullyBrake only when traveling in a straight line.

When applying breaks do so gently and release just before the brakes lock if you do not have anti lock brakes. Repeat as necessary to stop.

With anti lock brakes apply and hold the brake until you stop. Do not let up when the brakes start “chattering” this is normal and is caused by automatic pumping of the brakes to keep the vehicle from skidding.

Icy HillsWhen driving up hills, do not slow down or

you will lose momentum. When driving down hills, use low gear, not

the brakes. If you lose control of you vehicle head into a

snow bank. Down shift before going down the hill to

avoid losing control of vehicle.

Basic Skid RulesMake no rapid or sudden movements until you

have complete control of the car. Never slam on the brakes.

Rear wheel- remove food from gas do not apply brakes and gently turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid

Front wheel- gently turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and slowly press down on the gas pedal

Once recovered from skid resume normal driving patterns

When you get stuck don’t panicThere may be times your car becomes stuck

here’s a few tipsClear a path- Shovel out the snow from both

in front and behind each wheel and well as from under the car.

Use a higher gear so the wheels spin lessRock and rollOnce you got your car out don’t stop

Always Be Safe!Never drink and driveAlways wear your seatbeltAlways drive with your headlights onAlways be prepared!