Winter Driving Safety PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG 1 V.A.0.0 Winter Driving - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG V.A.0.0

Winter Driving Safety

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PPT-SM-WNTRDRVNG V.A.0.0

Winter Driving

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents

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Winter Driving Hazards

Driving in the winter introduces hazards such as

• Snow
• Sleet
• Ice
• Slowed traffic
• Slippery roadways
• Frozen bridges
• Fallen branches and powerlines
• Other unforeseen dangers

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Winter Driving Hazards

Pay attention to weather conditions

• Listen to radio forecasts
• Watch the weather channel
• Check the daily newspaper

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Winter Driving Safety

• Stay off of the road if possible
• If this is not possible

– Accelerate slowly – Increase your following distance – Brake early – Approach bridges, shaded spots and turns slowly – Never use cruise control – Use snow tires or chains

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Three P’s of Winter Driving

• 1. Prepare
• 2. Protect
• 3. Prevent

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Prepare

Prepare for the trip

• Maintain your car
• Plan your route
• Practice cold weather driving

– Practice during the daylight – Steer into a skid – Know what your brakes will do – Know how stopping distances vary

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Protect

Protect yourself

• Buckle up and use child safety seats properly
• Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air

bag

• Children 12 and under are safe in the back seat

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Prevent

Prevent crashes

• Do not mix drugs and alcohol

with driving

• Slow down
• Increase distances between cars
• Avoid fatigue
• Watch out for pedestrians

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Safety Precautions

Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating properly

• Brakes

– Should provide even and balanced braking – Check that brake fluid is at the proper level

• Cooling system

– Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water

• Electrical system

– Check that battery is fully charged and that connections are clean – Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension

• Engine

– Inspect all engine systems

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Safety Precautions

Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating properly

• Exhaust system

– Check exhaust for leaks and that all clamps and hangers are snug

• Tires

– Check for proper tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear – Check for proper tire inflation

• Oil

– Check that oil is at the proper level

• Visibility systems

– Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (and wipers – Install winter windshield wipers

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Safety Precautions

Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle with the following items

• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Cellular telephone or two-way radio
• Windshield scraper
• Snow brush
• Flashlight with fresh/extra batteries
• Extra winter clothes
• Shovel

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Safety Precautions

Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle with the following items

• Tow chain
• Matches
• Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter)
• Emergency flares
• Jumper cables
• Snacks
• Water
• Road maps

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Winterizing Your Vehicle

Check or have a mechanic check the following items

• Antifreeze levels
• Battery and ignition system
• Brakes
• Exhaust
• Fuel and air filters

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Winterizing Your Vehicle

Check or have a mechanic check the following items

• Heater and defroster
• Lights and flashing hazard lights
• Oil
• Thermostat
• Windshield wiper equipment
• Install winter tires

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If Stranded…

If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle

• Stay in the vehicle
• Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is

visible within 100 yards

• Display a trouble sign by hanging a brightly colored cloth on the

radio antenna and raising the hood

• Turn on the vehicle's engine for about 10 minutes each hour and run

the heat to keep warm

• Turn on the vehicle's dome light when the vehicle is running as an

additional signal

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If Stranded…

If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle

• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind

window slightly for ventilation

• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation
• Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally

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If Stranded…

If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle

• If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping
• Huddle together
• Use newspapers, maps and even the removable car mats for

added insulation

• Avoid overexertion since cold weather puts an added strain on the

heart

• Be aware of symptoms of dehydration

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