ISP gives motorists tips for driving in winter weather
By the WPD staff
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 10:08 PM EST
Snow and ice on roadways can cause driving conditions to change quickly.
Drivers, to help prepare themselves for the winter driving season, should remember the following safety tips from the Indiana State Police.
Be prepared:
- Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
- Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high- calorie food, first aid kit and jumper cables.
- Slow down on snow/ice-covered roads.
- Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof and lights.
- Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
- Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down and accelerate gradually.
- Use low-beam headlights to decrease glare from ice.
Should you become stranded:
- Don't leave your car; it's the best protection you have.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.
- Roll down your window a small amount.
- Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Don't panic; an idling car uses approximately one gallon of gas per hour.
Remember, a four-wheel-drive vehicle may keep you from being stuck in deep snow or aid in acceleration during slippery road conditions, but it will not allow you to stop any quicker. Slow down and allow yourself plenty of stopping distance.
For Indiana road conditions between Dec. 1 and April 1, call 317-232-8298 or 800-261-7623 or visit the Indiana State Police Web site at: www.in.gov/isp
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