Safe Winter Driving

1. Safe Winter Driving Be Prepared for Winter Weather Driving http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOXkqrLwRFQ

2. Facts • 25% of all driving accidents are the result of excessive speed • Statistics tell us that approximately 70% of winter deaths attributed to snow and ice involve motor vehicles • Most people know someone who has died in a car accident • It takes 4 -10 times the amount of distance to stop on a road that is not dry

3. Winter Weather Forecast Terms • Winter Storm Warning – hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet that is imminent or occurring (issued 12 to 24 hours beforehand). • Winter Storm Watch – possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet (issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm). http://videoclipsreview.com/page/Oregon+Drivers+in+the+Winter

4. Winter Weather Forecast Terms (cont.) • Winter Storm Outlook – Issued 3 to 5 days before a winter storm when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible. • Blizzard Warning – issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow resulting in visibilities at or below ¼ mile. Conditions can last for at least 3 hours. • Wind Chill Warning – wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.

5. Winter Weather Forecast Terms (cont.) • Wind Chill Advisory – issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations. • Winter Weather Advisories – accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and , if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

6. Winter Weather Forecast Terms (cont.) • Dense Fog Advisory – fog will reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less over a widespread area. • Snow Flurries – light snow falling for short durations with no accumulation or light dusting to be expected. • Snow Showers – Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time with some accumulation. • Blowing Snow – wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting (could be falling snow or loose snow that is being blown around).

7. Winter Weather Forecast Terms (cont.) • Sleet – raindrops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground which can accumulate or will bounce when hitting a surface and not stick to objects. • Freezing Rain – rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing which causes it to freeze to surfaces such as trees, roadways, etc.

8. Mechanical system Battery, belts, hoses, radiator, coolant/anti-freeze, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers and ignition system Battery Fluids Ignition system Lights Brakes Tires Exhaust system Heating and cooling system Windshield wipers and washer Winterize Your Car

9. Basic vehicle emergency kit Jumper cables Reflective triangles Flares and waterproof matches Blanket Nonperishable, high calorie food such as nuts and raisins Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Fire extinguisher Winter month additions Shovel Ice scraper Snowbrush Freeze-resistant windshield wiper fluid Extra winter clothing Traction aids such as sand or kitty litter Carry a Vehicle Emergency Kit

10. Winter Driving Practices • Wear seat belt • Slow down! • Increase distances between you and other cars • Stop every three hours • Rotate drivers if possible • Consider refueling when the tank gets below the ½ mark • Avoid braking or accelerating quickly • Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows - stay at least 15 car lengths (200 feet) back and don't pass on the right http://www.ketv.com/video/14666816/index.html

11. Plan Your Trip • Be sure of your route • Stay on main roads • Avoid back-road shortcuts • Travel during daylight if possible • Carry a road atlas/GPS incase you have to change your route • Check with local DOT or listen to the radio for road conditions and weather updates

12. Snow Removal • Remove all snow from vehicle – Including Roof!! • Remove snow from lights – front and rear • Keep wheel wells clear

13. Braking… To make an emergency stop on slippery roads….. • Regular brakes • Pump • Antilock brakes (ABS) • Press down on brakes and hold

14. In Case of Accident • Stop at once • Turn on hazard lights or use flares • Take steps to prevent further accidents • Determine your location for records and 9-1-1 calls • Call 9-1-1 and give the following information: • Location • Number of vehicles and people involved • Describe injuries http://www.koco.com/video/14539572/index.html

15. In Case of an Accident (cont.) • Do NOT leave the scene • If someone needs help instantly tell the 9-1-1 operator for advice • If there are no injuries you should still call the police and report the accident • In some areas police will not respond to a non-injury accident so exchange information with the other driver • Have your license, insurance and registration ready if possible

16. Accident Documentation • You do not need to wait for law enforcement to arrive to begin documentation • Take pictures of the accident (cars/area/signs) • If no other drivers were involved get the following: • Date • Time • City • Nearest intersection • Traffic conditions • Weather conditions • Road conditions (icy, pot holes)

17. Information you should get from the other person: Name Address Phone E-mail Car make and model Color of the other vehicle License plate Registration number (VIN) Vehicle damage (get pictures) Their insurance company name Policy number Name on policy Agent’s name Quick description of driver (physical appearance/attitude) Accident Documentation (cont.)

18. Information you should get for yourself: Photos of your vehicle damage Name, address, phone/e-mail of your passengers List of injuries Witness contact information – name, phone/e-mail for 2 to 4 witnessses if possible Draw diagram of accident Streets, signs, obstacles All directions of traffic Where vehicle occupants were seated (for both cars) Landmarks If police or other emergency responders have arrived get: Police officer name/badge number Paramedic name/badge number Accident Documentation (cont.)

19. Call your insurance agent and have the following ready: Car insurance policy number Police report/case number Your notes from the accident Address and phone number of where your car is located Read you insurance policy Document and keep all conversations in a folder Date and time of phone call Who you spoke with List of items discussed Next steps to be taken, deadlines for completion and who is responsible Your claim number Ask your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed Ask when someone will arrive to assess damage and get: Date Time Name of insurance representative Contact number and e-mail Give all requested information to your insurance company Keep copies of items you give to your insurance company Keep records of expenses incurred as a result of the accident (you could be reimbursed) After an Accident…

20. Attract attention with hazard lights Do not walk out in a blizzard Turn on your dome light at night but only while engine is running Tie a bright or red cloth on the antenna Set out warning light or flares Wear a hat because 60% of your body heat is lost through your head Keep watch for traffic or searchers Keep fresh air in your vehicle Run motor and heater sparingly and with the down-wind window open for ventilation – make sure snow has not blocked the exhaust pipe Start the car and use the heater for 10 minutes every hour Use blankets and clothes for covering IF You Are Stranded

21. Black Ice • Dangerous wintertime hazard because the icy road may not always be visible to the driver • Where will you most likely find black ice • Bridges, overpasses, tunnels • Shaded areas • Black ice can occur if temperatures are near the freezing mark--or even a few degrees above it • Watch for pavement that is slightly darker and duller looking than the rest of the road surface - this may indicate that black ice is present

22. Black Ice (cont.) • What should you do if you hit black ice? • When your car begins to slide on black ice, take your foot off the gas pedal • Tap the brake pedal lightly instead of pushing down • If you think black ice is ahead (if cars ahead are sliding), downshift to a lower gear before you come onto the black ice – this will force you to drive more slowly and it will give you better control of your car • If your car begins to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid • While 4-wheel drive vehicles are great for driving in heavy snow, you're on your own when it comes to driving on black ice

23. Quiz – Question 1 • Should you over inflate or under inflate your tires during cold winter months? • Over inflate, because tire pressure is lower in cold temperatures and you need more air. • Under inflate, because you need the added traction that comes from having more tire tread on the road. • Neither.

24. Answer – Question 1 • C • Neither. Tires should always be maintained at the level recommended by the manufacturer. Under inflation and over inflation can increase the incidence of tire failure and skidding. Always check them cold – before you driving.

25. Quiz – Question 2 • If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes and you are braking on snow or ice, should you? • Pump the brakes repeatedly because it will keep you from going into a skid. • Pump the brakes repeatedly because that is how you engage the anti-lock feature. • Apply firm and continuous pressure to the brakes.

26. Answer – Question 2 • C • If you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm and continuous pressure. Anti-lock brakes automatically pump the brake many times a second so any pumping you do will only impair their effectiveness.

27. Quiz – Question 3 • When sliding into a skid, it is best to…? • Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. • Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid. • Turn the steering wheel straight ahead.

28. Answer – Question 3 • A • Turn in the direction of the skid. It may seem a little scary but this is the best way to regain control and traction of your vehicle. Turning in any other direction will reduce traction.

29. Quiz – Question 4 • When approaching a snowy or icy hill, should you…? • Accelerate to reach the top as quickly as possible. • Come to a complete stop and then begin the assent. • Slow up before reaching the hill and make the assent slowly and steadily.

30. Answer – Question 4 • C • You’ll have the best chance of safely making it up a hill by approaching it at a slow speed and maintaining that slow speed at a steady rate.

31. Quiz – Question 5 • When heading down a snowy or icy hill, should you…? • Come to a complete stop and then make your descent. • Shift into a lower gear and make a slow descent. • Make your descent using your brakes to slow you down.

32. Answer – Question 5 • B • Shifting into a lower gear before making your descent and maintaining a slow steady speed, rather than using your brakes, will improve traction.

33. Questions?