NOVEMBER 2006

Winter Driving

Seems our warm, beautiful summer has come to an end. The first blanket of snow has appeared on the Cascades, and brisk mornings have returned. 

The onset of the new season brings additional hours of darkness and weather-related challenges, both of which affect our driving.  Although we experience these changes every year, some people tend to become complacent to the changing environment and find themselves saying, "Boy, that sure happened fast!" when they slide on an icy piece of road and end up in the briar patch.  We can avoid these types of situations if we remember the following basic rules for driving in winter.

• Clear all snow and ice from windows, lights, roof and hood of your vehicle.  
• Thoroughly defrost all car windows before driving off.
• Leaver earlier than usual to allow extra time if roads may be slick.  
• If possible, do not drive when roads are icy or weather is bad. 
• Slow Down! Drive according to road and weather conditions. Remember, posted speed limits are for dry pavement. The faster your vehicle is going, the more distance it takes to stop.
• Trucks take longer to stop, so don't cut in front of them.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay at least 15 car lengths (200 feet) back and don't pass on the right.
• Be alert to commonly icy areas. Bridge decks and shaded areas can ice up even if the temperature is above freezing. If you drive the same route every day, identify these hazardous areas and drive accordingly.
• Know your vehicle and how it responds
• Break early and leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Don't pump anti-lock brakes.  The right way to stop with anti-lock brakes is to "stomp and steer."
• Don't get overconfident with four-wheel drive.  Four-wheel drive won't help you stop any faster.
• Don't use your cruise control or overdrive when it's freezing (or colder). Even roads that appear clear can have isolated slippery spots and the quick touch of your brakes to deactivate cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. With overdrive, as you encounter a hill your vehicle automatically accelerates or downshifts, which can cause loss of traction.
• Drive with headlights on.

• Know current road conditions:
• Call 511 - for traveler information
• Check weather and traffic information at www.wsdot.wa.gov
• Listen to local news for weather and traffic reports
• Pay attention to electronic highway information signs

Don't get bit by the complacency bug this year.  Make sure your vehicle is warmed up, thoroughly defrosted, and ready for weather conditions before hitting the road. Give yourself a few extra minutes and slow down. Remember Brier Rabbit, not your Ford or Chevy, belongs in the briar patch.  For additional information on winter driving please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov or www.nhtsa.gov/winterdriving.