Upcoming cold temperatures and precipitation may make for challenging driving across the state this week. AAA urges motorists to prepare their vehicles for an emergency and to be careful while driving on the road. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.”Preparing now for winter weather can mean that an emergency situation does not turn into a disaster,” said Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA– The Auto Club Group.
AAA recommends the following items in an emergency road kit:
Emergency road kit:
Charged cellular phone and/ or car charger
Blankets
Food
Water
Medication
Ice scraper
Flashlight
Hats
Gloves
Sand or cat litter
If you have to travel during adverse weather, AAA reminds motorists that driving in wet or slippery conditions is different that driving on dry pavement. “The safest, and most comfortable place, during adverse weather conditions is indoors, but, that is not always possible” said Milani. “Now is the time for motorists to prepare their vehicles and review some winter driving safety tips.”AAA offers the following tips to keep you safe on the road:
Buckle up! No matter the weather, be sure everyone’s in seat belts, restraint seats or booster seats, even in vehicles with airbags
Eliminate all distractions. Driving demands our full attention even in good weather.
See and be seen. Clear all windows and outside mirrors, turn on headlights to low beam (even in daylight).
Scan the road ahead. Search for hazards far down the road to spot traffic tie-ups, slippery hills or other situations you may want to begin stopping for early, or steering around.
Make smooth moves. Slow way down, leave plenty of following distance behind the next vehicle – at least six to eight seconds on slippery roads, and leave an “out” to one side. Accelerate, brake and steer slowly and smoothly. Jerky motions increase the risk of skids.
Apply Steady Braking. Most newer vehicles are equipped with antilock brake systems. If your vehicle has ABS, keep pressing the pedal firmly and steadily. The antilock system should handle the rest- do not pump the brakes. Pumping antilock brakes will remove any benefits they provide.
Recover from a skid without panicking. If you start to skid, stay off the brakes and accelerator and do not shift gears. Simply look and steer in the direction you want the car to go. When the skid is over you’ll be better able to move the car to a safe spot and calm down before resuming your trip.