Marquette Ambulance MI Ishpeming Ambulance MI MGH and Bell Hospital s

Serving all of Marquette County, Michigan

Safe Winter Driving

(Marquette, MI) - Winter has arrived in the Upper
Peninsula and many drivers are hitting the road after a
long unusually clear driving season. When one is
accustomed to driving on clear, dry roads, the tendency for
drivers to "forget" to be extra cautious on wintery roads
happens all too often. Winter Road conditions require
extra special attention. These tips will help you prepare
yourself for being especially cautious when hitting the
highways this winter.

How should you prepare yourself for winter driving?

Plan your driving in advance.
Avoid driving when fatigued.
Check weather conditions for your travel route (and time) before you begin driving.
Plan your arrival time at a destination by taking into account any delays due to slower traffic, reduced
visibility, roadblocks, abandoned automobiles, collisions, etc.
Inform someone of your route and planned arrival time.
Choose warm and comfortable clothing. If you need to remove outdoor clothing later while driving, STOP
the vehicle in a safe spot.
Warm up your vehicle BEFORE driving off. It reduces moisture condensing on the inside of the windows.
NEVER warm up your vehicle in a closed garage.
Remove snow and ice from your vehicle. It helps to see and, equally important, to be seen.
Wear sunglasses on bright sunny days.
Bring a cell phone if you have one but do not leave it in the car as the battery will freeze.

How should you drive in winter weather?

Buckle up before you start driving. Keep your seat belt buckled at all times.
SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best
precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. "Black ice" is invisible.
Be alert. Black ice will make a road look like shiney new asphalt. Pavement should look grey-white in
winter.
Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires you to be in full control at all times.
Reduce your speed while approaching intersections covered with ice or snow.
Allow for extra travelling time or even consider delaying a trip if the weather is inclement.
Drive with low-beam headlights on. Not only are they brighter than daytime running lights but turning
them on also activates the tail lights. This makes your vehicle more visible.
Stay in the right-hand lane except when passing and use turn signals when changing lanes.
Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking
or accelerating can cause skidding.
Be aware and slow down when you see a sign warning that you are approaching a bridge. Steel and
concrete bridges are likely to be icy even when there is no ice on the asphalt surface, (because bridges
over open air cool down faster than roads which tend to be insulated somewhat by solid ground.)
Consider getting off the road before getting stranded if the weather is worsening.
Be patient and pass other cars only when it is safe to do so.

What should you do if you start to skid?

Above all DO NOT PANIC!
Look where you want your vehicle to go and steer in this direction.
DO NOT BRAKE!
DO NOT ACCELERATE!
Disconnect the driving force on the drive wheels by doing either of the following
If you're using automatic transmission, shift to neutral. However, if you cannot do that immediately, do not
touch the transmission gear.
If you're using manual transmission, declutch.

How should you brake on a slippery road?

If the emergency does not require slamming the brakes as hard as possible, squeeze braking (also
known as threshold braking) along with declutching (manual shift) or shifting to neutral (automatic
transmission) will do the job most efficiently.

Braking without anti-lock brakes

Use the heel-and-toe method. Keep your heel on the floor and use your toes to press the brake pedal
firmly just short of locking up the wheels.
Release the pressure on the pedal, and press again in the same way.
Repeat this until you come to a full stop.
Braking with anti-lock brakes
Also use heel-and-toe method, but do not remove your foot from the brake pedal until the vehicle comes
to a complete stop.

What should you do if you get stuck or stranded in the snow?

Don't panic!
Avoid over-exertion and over-exposure to the cold. Cold weather can put extra stress on the heart and
contribute to the hazards of over-exertion. Sweaty clothes next to the skin are not good insulators against
the cold.
Stay in the car if you cannot shovel your car out of the snow.
Stay in the car in blizzard conditions - Do not leave the car for assistance unless help is visible within
about 100 yards.
Turn on flashing lights or set up flares. A brightly coloured cloth on the radio antenna may make your
vehicle more visible in daylight.
Run the car engine occasionally (about 10 minutes every hour) to provide heat (and to conserve fuel).
Ensure that the tail exhaust pipe is free of snow and keep the window opened slightly (on the side
shielded from the wind) to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide when the engine is running.
Bundle up in a blanket. If there is more than one person in the car, share - two people sharing blankets
will be warmer than either person alone in a blanket.
Wear a hat and scarf - the head and neck are major sources of heat loss from the body.
Monitor for any signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Do not fall asleep. If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping.
Do not stay in one position too long. Do some exercises to help the circulation - move arms and legs,
clap your hands, etc.
Watch for traffic or rescuers.

Staying off the phone, driving at a safe and legal speed, driving alert and sober and buckling up will ensure that
you safely make it to your destination.

To learn more about MediRide's Health & Community News, CLICK HERE