INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Driving on those wintry roads can be a difficult task to even the most experienced of drivers.
On Monday, the crash count from IMPD between the hours of 1:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. was a whopping 187.
So, what can you do to avoid being part of a crash statistic? One way to help is to take these tips for winter weather driving seriously.
Buckle up! This could be a slippery ride. But really, that’s the first thing you should always do, no matter the weather—buckle up. Seatbelts save lives. Period.
Now, when it comes to the snow and ice, AAA said there is one thing that is at the top of the list, which is also quite easy to do: "The best advice I can give is to slow down," said Greg Seiter, the AAA Communications Executive in Indianapolis.
But slowing down isn't the only thing you should do when maneuvering the snow and ice.
"Don't brake hard, don't turn hard, do not accelerate hard. Everything needs to be taken down a notch or two in weather conditions like this," Seiter said.
Seiter added that preparation is key, especially at the beginning of winter.
"We see a dramatic increase in incidents, you know, people aren't accustomed to it. We have slide-offs, we have people stuck in ditches, we have frozen locks," said Seiter.
So, what happens if you find yourself starting to slide?
"If you get into a skid, the best advice I can give you is to steer in the direction you want the car to go in. Remain focused, don't panic. You want to stay off the brakes as much as you can, because the brakes can actually cause your vehicle to swerve even more,” said Seiter.
He continued, “We have to put everything in perspective, you have to use common sense. If you do have to get out and drive, you want to allow yourself a lot of additional time. Make sure that your vehicle is properly warmed up and ready to go. But even in advance of a snow or any kind of wintery condition, you want to make sure that battery is strong in the winter months, you want to make sure your tires are properly inflated, because your tires will lose air pressure when the temperatures begin to drop.”
And when it comes to cruise control, don’t do it.
“Never, ever use cruise control in wintery conditions, even in the rain. Any time there is any kind of precipitation on the roadways, you do not, under any circumstances want to use that cruise control,” said Seiter.
If you have a driving trip planned, delay the trip if you know the roads won’t be in optimal condition. If you absolutely have to take to the roads, let others know your route, destination, and arrival time. Just to be safe.
Something else to remember: the newbies.
"Be very wary, be very alert to the fact that you could be driving behind a teen driver, who is inexperienced. They're probably scared, a little nervous. So be patient with them, don't tailgate anyone in weather like this,” said Seiter.
Because after all you were once a new driver once.
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