I’ll admit these tips are a little late, but in my defense we really didn’t need them until now. Whether you’re a veteran on Idaho’s icy roads or just moved here from SoCal, everyone can use a reminder on road safety during these conditions.
Winterize Your Car
- Give your car a preventative once-over — check your battery health, lights, brakes, wipers, windshield fluid, and tire pressure.
- Invest in the right tires — either snow / all-season wheels, or get some snow chains for your tires.
- Check the tread on your tires. Use the quarter test: Put a quarter into the tread of your tire and look for George Washington’s head. If you can see any part of the top of his head, you don’t have enough tread, and you should replace those tires.
Be Prepared
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to decrease the risk of getting stranded in bad weather.
- Consider keeping an emergency kit in your car in the event you are stranded.
- Know your route — look at a map before you start driving to avoid having the extra distraction of your GPS or getting lost.
Drive Defensively
- Maintain steady speeds and keep extra space between yourself and other cars — no matter what type of vehicle you have.
- Be extra careful on bridges and underpasses, which tend to be the slickest.
- Remove all snow and ice from your windows, hood, and roof before you drive.
- If you begin to skid, let off the accelerator and brake, then turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde asked drivers to use caution and get prepared in a press release yesterday.
“Whether you’re new to driving on snow and ice, or if it’s just been a while, consider practicing in a large open parking lot where you can get the feel for how your vehicle handles without putting anyone at risk. Please watch your speed, ditch the distractions, and focus on safe driving all winter.”
