Police Corner
Winter driving can be tricky — be aware
By Officer Joanna Robertson
PIO, Bethany Beach Police Dept.
We hope it is not too late to give you folks some tips for winter driving. The weekend’s weather a few weeks ago was the perfect example of very dangerous situations that only occur at this time of the year. We experienced almost everything, including snow, rain, ice, fog and sleet, all together increasing the danger of driving.
For those of you that can avoid driving in bad weather conditions, such as described above, please stay home. When it does become necessary for you to drive, remember to be prepared. I will list some changes that need to be adhered to when driving in winter weather conditions.
1. Before driving, remove snow and ice from the vehicle. Use windshield wiper fluid that contains antifreeze.
2. Ensure your equipment is in good condition. For example, install good winter tires (with adequate tread). Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. Have the following equipment in your vehicle: a shovel, jumper cables, candles, lighter, a flashlight, a first aid kit, flares, warm clothing and a small bag of sand. If you can, travel with a cell phone.
3. Though it is very important not to start driving before your engine is warmed up, do not warm it up for more than 30 seconds (a cold engine will warm up faster when the vehicle is being driven). Drive at a slower speed for a few miles to give your car time to warm up.
4. Learn to get the feel of the road. Use your brakes, while driving slowly, to find out just how slippery the road is. Drive slower to accommodate for the hazardous conditions and be prepared to stop suddenly.
5. Turn your headlights on low beam. High beams create dangerous glare from the reflection of your lights on the blinding snow.
6. Always follow other cars at a safe distance — it takes longer distance to stop your car on snow or ice. Avoid using “cruise control” when the road surface is slippery. If the vehicle in front of you starts spinning, do not be afraid to drive into a field, it is always better than hitting someone.
7. To get moving on snow or ice, start very slowly. If you have an automatic transmission, step down on the gas slowly and accelerate as smoothly as possible. If your vehicle has a clutch, let it out very slowly. If your wheels spin, start over again in the second gear. This allows you to accelerate more smoothly and should help keep your wheels from spinning and sliding.
8. To stop your vehicle when driving on ice or snow, apply the brakes gently, as skidding can occur and cause lack of control. When your vehicle starts to skid, the first thing you have to do is regain control. Keep your feet off the accelerator and brakes until you have regained the ability to steer the vehicle. Only then should you apply brakes — very carefully.
9. Slow down for intersections and stop lights even if you have the right of way. There may be someone coming from your side that cannot stop due to a hazard they were unaware of.
10. Allow extra time for your drive, whether it is a five-minute trip or a two-day trip.
11. Be courteous to the other drivers in any situation but especially when inclement conditions make driving harder for everyone.
12. Finally, behave around other drivers the way you would want them to drive when they are near you.
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