1. Winter Driving Refresher
A Ten-Minute Training Topics Presentation

2. Statistics
“Poor weather-related driving conditions are associated with 7,000 fatalities, 800,000 injuries, and more than 1.5 million vehicular crashes annually in the United States”
-National Research Council. Where the Weather Meets the Road

3. Statistics
The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.
– Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

4. Introduction
It would be a reasonable assumption that many drivers forget how to handle their vehicle in typical winter conditions from a lack of consistent practice.
Once they’ve driven in snowy, icy or foggy conditions much of their prior experience comes back.
Some would say the trick is surviving those first few trips in adverse weather conditions.

5. Introduction
Compounding the problem is the fact that winter weather can mean very different conditions throughout the USA and Canada.
In Northern areas, snow, sleet and ice are primary concerns.
In Southerly areas, rain and fog can be troublesome. Driving through different elevations can also force severe changes in weather conditions.

6. Introduction
Shorter daylight hours and increased glare on roadways due to the low angle of sunlight during winter can add up to collisions, congestion and frustrating delays.
This variation from place to place can contribute to congestion and tie ups on highways and rural roads.

7. Introduction
While the number of fatal crashes tends to decrease during the winter, the number of property damage and non-fatal crashes tend to increase.
There are likely explanations for this relationship:
experienced drivers slow down to have greater control in poor weather, but snow, sleet and rain reduce traction and increase stopping distances causing inexperienced drivers to loose control and collide with other vehicles or fixed objects.

8. Introduction
There are four key strategies to dealing with winter driving:
Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions
Prepare yourself for winter driving techniques
Prepare for emergencies such as mechanical breakdown or crash
Watch out for other drivers who are not prepared

9. Vehicle Preparation
Make sure that the key mechanical and electrical systems in your vehicle are in top condition:
brakes,
windshield wipers,
defroster,
heater and exhaust system, etc.

10. Vehicle Preparation
Check your fluids for proper levels and condition (i.e. antifreeze and windshield washer fluid).
Since tires lose pressure during cold weather, check them regularly for proper inflation, and be certain that the tread is in good condition. .
Because vehicles need additional starting power in the cooler weather, it’s important to check your battery condition and alternator belts.

11. Vehicle Preparation
Keep your vehicle clean during the winter - especially headlights and taillights.
This will make it easier for you to see and be seen.
Check or replace wiper blades and fill reservoirs.
Keep your fuel topped off.
If you get stuck in the snow, you’ll want to be able to run the engine to stay warm (checking to be sure that the exhaust isn’t clogged with snow, etc.)

12. Vehicle Preparation
If your company uses chains for deep snow, make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order.
You might want to take along a flashlight and chain repair links.
Make sure you know the proper procedures for both normal installation and emergency repair procedures.

13. Driver Preparation
Plan your trip – allow extra time, have alternate routes ready in case of closures.
Remember weather at lower altitudes may be radically different than in mountain passes.
Listen to the radio, use services or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.

14. Driver Preparation
Work on your lifestyle habits – consistent sleep, good food, and regular physical activity will help combat illness and sleepiness.
You want to be at your best while trying to handle your vehicle on slick roads or through dense fog.
Of course, always remember to wear your seatbelt.

15. Driver Preparation
Slow down - remember that the posted speed limits are for dry, clear pavement.
Snow, ice, sleet and rain lengthen stopping distances, so triple or quadruple the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are clear.

16. Driver Preparation Keep windshield and windows clear.
You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snowbrush or scraper.
Use the defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.

17. Driver Preparation
Decelerate well in advance of a turn or stopping point.
Try to avoid using brakes while turning.
When descending a hill, pick your maximum safe speed while at the crest and then stay under that speed throughout the decent with gentle on/off braking.
Don't expect to do all your braking at that stop sign at the bottom of the slope.

18. Driver Preparation
Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.

19. Driver Preparation
If you have ABS (anti-lock braking system) designed to prevent your wheels from locking up when braking, check your owner's manual about stopping under poor traction conditions.
As a general rule, continuous pedal pressure will be better than on/off braking.
If you are not sure what types of brakes your vehicle has, re-read the owners manual or tech manual (or ask your company’s maintenance supervisor for help.)

20. Prepare for Possible Emergencies
Dress warmly by wearing layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.
Pack for your trip. Some items to carry with you may include:
company approved ice scraper or commercial deicer
a broom for brushing snow
a shovel to free you vehicle if it is "snowed in"
sand, burlap or suitable materials for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow and an old towel to clean your hands

21. Prepare for Possible Emergencies
A citizens band (CB) radio and/or cellular phone can be very useful to you or another stranded motorist in case of an emergency.
It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing..

22. Prepare for Possible Emergencies
If your vehicle suffers a mechanical problem, pull as far off the road as possible.
Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing vehicles.
Don’t panic. Common sense could be critical to survival.
Do not over exert yourself, especially when shoveling snow or trying to push a stalled vehicle. This physical activity may be more strenuous than your body can tolerate.

23. Prepare for Possible Emergencies
If you are stranded and the vehicle’s engine is safe to operate, make sure the exhaust pipe is free of obstructions and the windows are not sealed by snow or ice.
Partially open a window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Run the engine and the heater only for short time periods.

24. Prepare for Possible Emergencies
Do not leave your vehicle unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and you are certain that leaving will improve your situation.
Attach a cloth to the antenna or window to signal your need for help.

25. Watch out for other drivers
Be more observant than usual.
Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions.
Slow down and watch for other vehicles that have flashing lights (visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment).
Be especially careful when approaching curves and intersections – inexperienced drivers may lose control and slide into your lane.
Turn on your low-beam headlights when visibility is poor – this will at least help other motorists spot your vehicle more quickly.

26. Summary
Whether you encounter, snow, fog, or rain in your area of the country, how you choose to prepare for and respond to these conditions will determine your success in dealing with them.
Remember that it is not only how you drive, but also being prepared for the “other driver” and the “unexpected” events that can occur like a mechanical breakdown.

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