Winter is here Everything is different The way your car works and operates Roads are treacherous Daylight is minimal Weather is throwing snowballs left and right Drivers are in a hurry or either don’t worry about roads and there conditions, some become tense and nervous.

Pay attention and adjust your speed People involved in motor vehicle accidents frequently say that road or weather conditions are the cause of the accident. They are not causes of accidents they are only contributing factors. The cause is the operators failure to adjust their driving to the dangerous conditions.

Prepare Winter driving in Alaska is hazardous but with proper vehicle preparation driver information and driving skills the chances of making a trip safely are greatly increased. Remember a courteous driver is a smart driver.

Never Drink and Drive Alcohol related injuries are an epidemic in Alaska. Motor vehicle fatalities are heavily impacted by alcohol use. (More than 50% of deaths in motor vehicle accidents involved alcohol)

Keeping your car tuned so it can run efficiently. This will reduce chances of breaking down on side of road. The battery- cold weather makes vehicles harder to start. Always keep the battery and terminals clean to insure good connections. Keep battery fully charged, recharge or replace when necessary. Maintenance

Check condition of ignition wires and check distributor cap for cracks. Heating and cooling system: Have the anti freeze in the radiator checked, check for cracks and leaks in hoses and have them replaced before you add antifreeze. Make sure your putting off enough heat from heater, to make sure car can keep good visibility and not freeze over. Check intake vents for any debris or other matter that can cause blockage.

Exhaust System Be sure to have the entire exhaust system checked for leaks. Carbon monoxide is a killer and even a small leak in the system can cause serious complications. Windshield Wipers and Washers Visibility is everything, replace blades that streak and keep windshield washer reservoir filled with washer fluid meant for sub zero temperatures.

Tires Regular tires should have a good tread for the bite needed when driving on snow and ice. To improve braking and handling use snow tires, studded snow tires, or chains. Note that studs can only be used from September 15-May 1. Brakes and suspension At least every fall have your brakes checked and adjusted. Suspension problems can cause handling and braking problems.

Lights Make sure headlights, tail lights, brake lights and all warning lights are operational. Seatbelts Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing one and is in full operation.

Emergency Kit Flashlight with new batteries every 6 months Snowbrush Tire Chains Work Gloves Small Shovel Sand Bag Cold weather clothes Jumper Cables Non Perishable food Tow Strap Ice Scraper Flares or Highway Warning Kit First Aid Kit Candles and Matches

Get Set Then Go Be sure to drive with your headlights on at all times. Totally clear all windows, the hood and trunk and roof of the car of snow and ice before driving. Many people fail to totally clear off the roof area. Just the movement of the car and stops can cause snow to slide into the windshield or rear window limiting driver vision.

Plug it in If you can’t park in a cozy garage, plug your vehicle in. It has less wear and tear when engine is warm. It also produces fewer pollutants. Give your engine a warm up period. DON’T WARM CAR IN GARAGE!

Driving on Snow and Ice Start out slow, be careful not to spin your tires Test your brakes at slow speed to see how slick roads are. Be sure there are no vehicles behind you. Be aware of ice patches in shaded areas, curves and bridges. Intersections are almost always icy. Slow down approaching intersections and stops.

Watch for hidden objects Remember snow banks often hide danger. Watch for stalled vehicles, hidden driveways, pedestrians and animals.

Travel at a safe following distance Stay back at least two car lengths for every 10MPH of speed. In winter use the 4 second rule instead of the 2 second rule. (When the car ahead of yours passes a fixed object begin counting) if your car gets to fixed object before 4 you are to close.

Brake Carefully Brake only when traveling in a straight line. When applying breaks do so gently and release just before the brakes lock if you do not have anti lock brakes. Repeat as necessary to stop. With anti lock brakes apply and hold the brake until you stop. Do not let up when the brakes start “chattering” this is normal and is caused by automatic pumping of the brakes to keep the vehicle from skidding.

Icy Hills When driving up hills, do not slow down or you will lose momentum. When driving down hills, use low gear, not the brakes. If you lose control of you vehicle head into a snow bank. Down shift before going down the hill to avoid losing control of vehicle.

Basic Skid Rules Make no rapid or sudden movements until you have complete control of the car. Never slam on the brakes. Rear wheel- remove food from gas do not apply brakes and gently turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid Front wheel- gently turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and slowly press down on the gas pedal Once recovered from skid resume normal driving patterns

When you get stuck don’t panic There may be times your car becomes stuck here’s a few tips Clear a path- Shovel out the snow from both in front and behind each wheel and well as from under the car. Use a higher gear so the wheels spin less Rock and roll Once you got your car out don’t stop

Always Be Safe! Never drink and drive Always wear your seatbelt Always drive with your headlights on Always be prepared!