Office of Risk Management Driving in Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather includes:  Ice  Snow  Rain  Fog  Wind  Any other natural hazard or factor This training will focus on ice and snow but will touch on the other issues listed above.

Ice & Snow  Rule #1 – If you do not have to drive in the snow and ice, then don’t.  Evaluate the situation and decide if you need to drive.  Many functions of the University shut down during inclement weather and the work may be able to wait.

Ice & Snow  Rule #2 – Evaluate the weather conditions.  Often conditions will improve in the afternoon if you can wait.  Check the weather to see if the snow will continue or let up.

 Rule #3 – Evaluate your vehicle’s capability.  A two (rear wheel) wheel drive vehicle like a small pickup or van will not do well in snow and ice.  Four wheel drives can drive through snow easier but are still limited when it come to accelerating or stopping on ice.  Front wheel drive sedans perform ok in the snow.

 Automatic transmissions are less responsive than manual transmissions because the driver has less control over the flow of power to the wheels.  With a manual transmission you can push in the clutch and cut the power to the wheels. You can also accelerate slower giving the tires more chance to grip.  Unfortunately many people do not know how to drive manual transmissions anymore.

 Inspect your vehicle to make sure that it is fit for winter weather driving.  Check the tire pressure and tread.  Fill the gas tank.  Check the windshield washer fluid.

Fish Tailing  Too much power to a rear wheel drive vehicle will lead to “fish tailing” on a wet or icy road. Fish Tailing occurs when the rear of the vehicle swings from side to side with little or no control.  Over correction by the driver leads to the sometimes violent swinging from side to side.

Fish Tailing  If your vehicle starts to fish tail, let off the gas and use small corrections to the wheel to get your vehicle pointed forward.

Spinning Out  When someone “spins out” the rear of the comes around can cause the vehicle to spin halfway around or in complete circles under certain circumstances.  Driving to fast or braking too hard on curves often causes someone to spin out.

Accelerating  Accelerating on ice and snow can be difficult especially if you are sitting on an incline.  Accelerate slowly giving the tires a chance to grab traction.  Keep you wheels pointed forward until you start to move before attempting to turn.  Turning your wheels before you are moving will cause your wheels to spin.

 Rule #4 – Consider your route of travel.  Sometimes a certain road will take you straight up a steep hill when a better option may be to take a longer way around using a less steep route.  Avoid stopping on a hill in the snow. If you see vehicles stopped ahead of you, slow down and give them time to clear before you get to an intersection.

Intersections  Make sure other vehicles can come to a complete stop before you enter the intersection, even if you have the right of way.

Black Ice  “Black Ice” is the layman’s term for clear ice on black asphalt that is almost impossible to see from a moving vehicle.  Black ice is common in this area because day time temperatures will rise above 32 degrees F causing

Pedestrians in the Streets  Often excessive snows will force pedestrians to walk in the streets.  Sidewalks can be covered with plowed snow.

Getting Stuck & Then Unstuck  If you become stuck, make sure there are no vehicles coming before you try to exit your vehicle.  Turn on your 4 way flashers before you exit.  If you are calling someone to come pull you out, stand clear of the vehicle and other traffic.

Getting Stuck & Then Unstuck  If you are going to dig yourself out:  Try to identify which tire(s) do not have traction.  Dig under and around the tire. Look up often to see if there are any vehicles coming.  If you have any sand or salt, put it under the tire for traction. You may have to repeat this process several times to free yourself.

Following & Stopping Distances  Give yourself more following space.  If you are approaching a stop sign or light going down hill, apply your brakes well in advance of the intersection to make sure that you can stop before the sign/light.  Use an alternative route that avoids steep hills if possible.

Heavy Snow  Heavy snows and ice can bring down power lines, tree limbs, entire trees and even buildings.  Be aware of these obstacles especially if you get off the main roads onto access drives and sidewalks.

Emergency Kits  Emergency kits are important for long trips or in remote areas but no but not as important for driving on campus.  On campus you are generally within easy walking distance of a building even during the most severe weather.

Emergency Kits  What you should have:  Fully charged cell phone or radio.  An extra set of dry cloths including gloves, socks and shoes/boots.  Water bottle  Snacks (stores maybe closed)  Shovel (to dig yourself out)

Fog  Dense fog can severely limit your ability to see when driving.  Use your fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.  DO NOT use your brights as it will limit your visibility and the visibility of those driving toward you.

Fog  Never attempt to do a U-Turn in the fog.  Instead, make a turn into a parking lot, preferably at a stop light and turn around.

High Water  Do not attempt to cross running water that is more than a couple inches deep.  Do not drive through water if you are unsure of the depth or cannot see the road.  Do not cross bridges that have water flowing over them.

Hydroplaning  Hydroplaning occurs when tires are not in contact with the road surface. A layer of water is between the tire and the road surface.  Slowing down will generally eliminate hydroplaning.

Wind  High winds can turn over a vehicle or force you out of your travel lane.  High winds affect vehicles such as box trucks, work vans or other high sided vehicles more that your normal car and pickup.  Slow down when driving a high profile vehicle.

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