Utah Travel Health & Safety

Winter Driving

Winter is the most difficult driving season. Not only do you have snow and ice to deal with, but there are fewer hours of daylight as well. Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle is in good condition, especially the tires, battery, and exhaust system. Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. On front-wheel drive cars, it is best to put snow tires or "all-season" tires on all four wheels, not just the front. Be sure the windshield washer container is filled with a freeze-resistant cleaning solution. Always carry emergency supplies in case you become stranded. (See below for a suggested list.) A Citizens Band (CB) radio and/or cellular phone can be very useful to you or another stranded motorist in case of an emergency. Remember to pull of the road to talk on a cellular phone.

Driving Tips:
Know your vehicle. Not all cars respond the same to icy, slippery roads. For that reason, knowing how to handle your vehicle and how it responds in various weather conditions is important. Your owner's manual will provide vital information about your vehicle's braking system, tire traction, and safety tips. Drivers should maintain winter driving techniques and caution even when roads appear clear. For those driving SUVs or 4-wheel drive vehicles, please remember that these vehicles react to ice just like any other vehicle. Overconfidence in your vehicle's abilities can lead to serious problems.

Utah law requires the use of seat belts and child safety seats in all vehicles. Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is prohibited. Laws are strictly enforced.
Clear all snow and ice from your hood, roof, trunk, turn signal lights, tail and headlights, windows, mirrors, and fenders.
Plan your route and be familiar with the maps/directions to avoid confusion.
Check the weather reports and adjust your starting time.
Inform others of your route and expected time of arrival.
Always fill the gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance, and stop to fill-up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping the gas tank as full as possible will minimize condensation.
Drive with extra caution. Start slow and easy from a stop and steer smoothly. No abrupt turning, braking or accelerating.
Increase your following distance. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as that you would need to brake under normal driving circumstances.
Drive slower than the posted speed limit; remember that it is calculated for ideal weather conditions.
You have better visibility using your LOW BEAMS when driving in a snow storm or fog.
Use extra caution when driving on bridges, overpasses, tunnels, or areas without direct sunlight. Those areas often have black ice - a thin clear layer of ice which allows the dark underlying road surface to show through. Black ice forms when the temperature is around (even slightly above) freezing and the road is damp/wet from high humidity, fog, daytime snow melt, rain, or snow. Signs of black ice include a shiny road surface or when you no longer see spray from the tires of other vehicles but the road still looks wet.
KNOW YOUR BRAKES. Your owner's manual will provide information about your braking system. Find out which type of brakes your vehicle has and follow the safety steps below.
1. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) offer significant advantages on slick roads, if used correctly. To operate ABS effectively, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. ABS will automatically pump the brakes, if necessary, to keep the wheels from locking. Never manually pump ABS brakes yourself. Apply only steady pressure continuously until you come to a complete stop.
2. If you don't have ABS, you should gently apply pumping pressure to your brakes during slippery conditions. Do not apply steady pressure to your brakes. Standing on your brakes will only cause wheel lock, and may result in your car spinning out of control.

HANDLING SKIDS
1. FRONT WHEEL DRIVE: Once you feel your car begin to skid, slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, until you feel your wheels regain traction control. (Do not attempt to brake!) As your vehicle's tires grab the road, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want your front wheels to go.
2. REAR WHEEL DRIVE: When you begin to spin, remove your foot from the gas pedal. Slowly steer in the direction you want the car to go. If you are still skidding out of control, counter-steer until your vehicle is pointing in the right direction. Never apply steady pressure to the brakes.

If you become stranded:
(Items in bold should already be packed in the vehicle as part of your emergency supplies. See below for a complete emergency supply list.)

If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible and turn on the warning/flashing lights. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing cars.
Don't panic. Use common sense.
Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
To attract attention light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away or hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia, use the woolen items, blanket, newspapers, and large bags to keep warm.
Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
Bottled water may freeze. Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.