http://ntsi.com/ | Safety should not be taken lightly when facing winter conditions, and precautions should be taken prior to the start of the winter season. Some dangers are visible, such as sleet, snow, and blizzard conditions, while other dangers are not, such as black ice or freeze back. Remain accountable for your driving behavior by driving slowly or pulling over at the first possible opportunity to avoid dangerous conditions.

2. Winter storms bring about driving conditions
that are important to be aware of and take
seriously. It is important to watch or read the
news to make sure you’re prepared for the
weather that lies ahead. The preparations
required to remain safe start well before the
season begins and even extend into how
well you know your own car.

3. There are many precautions and preparations you can
take before the winter season to ensure you’re ready for
the months ahead:
• Check for a strong battery because freezing
conditions weaken the battery by 35%.
• Check for weather appropriate, non-worn tires.
• Check windshield wipers, washer fluid, antifreeze, and
defrosters.

4. Ultimately, make sure you really know your
vehicle inside and out so you know how
to respond to road conditions. A common
example involves understanding your
brake system. Drivers with antilock
braking systems should not pump the
brake when stopping, whereas those
without an antilock system should gently
pump breaks to avoid a wheel lock up.

5. Wind is an incredible threat during a
winter storm. Wind-driven snow causes
whiteout conditions that can reduce
visibility so drastically that you aren’t
able to see motorists directly in front of
you. When driving in whiteout conditions,
you should slow down to a considerably
slow speed or pull over until conditions
improve or the storm ends.

6. In addition to whiteout conditions, wind-driven
snow can cause snowdrifts. Depending on the
size, a snowdrift can close roads. If driving at a
normal speed and you plow through a
snowdrift, it is possible to lose control of your
vehicle. Slowing down significantly reduces
the risk of losing control.

7. The most dangerous of the winter storms is a
blizzard. The elements involved can create
near zero visibility, deep drifts, and severe
wind chill factors. In blizzard conditions, you
should not travel. If you’re already out when
a blizzard hits, you should pull over to a safe
area and seek shelter immediately.

8. Black Ice
When the temperature is just above
freezing, a thin layer of ice that may
not be visible can cover the road,
making it extremely slippery. You
know black ice is potentially present
when ice forms on your windshield or
mirrors, or when the wet mist that
would normally kick up under other
cars while driving disappears.
Stopping distances can more than
double on ice so it’s important to
drive carefully.
Freeze Back
When warmer temperatures melt the
ice that covers the roads and the
residual water runs across roadways,
cooler temperatures at night and in
the morning can freeze the water
again. This frozen layer of ice is
extremely slippery and can cause
sliding or loss of control.

9. An often forgotten safety precaution is making
sure you are on the lookout for deer and other
animals that may be crossing the road. In a
whiteout storm, visibility is severely limited, making
it all the more likely you won’t see the deer. It’s a
natural human reaction to try to swerve in order
to avoid a collision, but this is actually one of the
most dangerous things that you can do. Since you
will already be driving slowly in the storm
conditions, it is best to slow even further, honk the
horn, and duck low behind the dashboard.
Ultimately, you should hit the deer at this slower
speed rather than swerving.

10. NTSI is a recognized leader in traffic safety
education with an innovative approach to
driving safety. NTSI stresses personal
accountability with an interactive curriculum
based upon behavioral modification principles.
NTSI believes drivers understand the
importance of following safety standards and
stresses personal choice as a means of
effecting a positive change in driving behavior.
Website: www.ntsi.com