Winter Weather Driving Tips
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NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Montrae Waiters, AAA spokeswoman, The Auto Club Group,
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MOTORISTS SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS OF APPROACHING WINTER STORM
AAA Winter Weather Driving Tips
Tampa, Fla. (January 3, 2018) — Rain, snow, and ice make the winter months a risky time for motorists to be behind the wheel. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, each year, nearly one in four (24%) weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement.
"The safest place to be during adverse weather conditions is indoors, but that's not always possible" said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. "Winter driving can be intimidating and knowing how to navigate during snowfall and or icy conditions is imperative!"
AAA recommends the following tips during adverse weather conditions:
- Know the local forecast: Dial 511 on your cell phone or download the FL 511 Mobile App for current traffic and road conditions.
- Vehicle preparation: Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and properly equipped for winter driving.
- Equip your vehicle with jumper cables, flares, a flashlight and some warm clothing and blankets.
- Ensure your cellular phone is fully charged in case your vehicle breaks down.
- Check the fluid levels of your vehicle, particularly washer fluid and anti-freeze, to ensure they are at adequate levels.
- Tires should be inspected to ensure they are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth.
- Completely clear your vehicle of snow and ice prior to driving, including all lights for visibility.
- Reduce speed: Anticipate delays. Most snow and ice related crashes are caused by traveling at speeds too great for the weather conditions. Posted speed limits are set for driving under optimal, dry conditions. If road and weather conditions are adverse, motorists should operate at a speeds well below the posted limit.
- Leave extra space between vehicles: Increase your following distance from eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to make stop a sudden.
- Black ice: Transparent ice may form on the roadway. If you notice ice forming on any object, assume that it is on the road as well. Bridges are usually the first surfaces to freeze. Drive slowly and, if possible, avoid driving on icy surfaces.
- Buckle up: Ensuring that everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained is the single most effective thing motorists can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe on the roads.
- Dial 911 in roadway emergencies: If you become disabled or encounter an emergency on the roadway, dial 911 on your cellular phone to immediately be connected to a state police communications center. Always be aware of your location, noting the route you are traveling on and the number of the exit you most recently passed.
If you need to contact AAA for roadside assistance, you can do so via the toll free number, AAA.com or the new AAA mobile app.
AAA Weather FX
Whether you're at home or on the road, knowing what the weather will be like can be crucial to protecting the people, pets and the things you treasure most. AAA members can now track weather events for free by signing up for WeatherFX Alert. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
The AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR)
The network includes nearly 7,000 facilities which have met AAA's high standards, including, certifications, technical training, cleanliness, insurance requirements, rigorous inspections and customer satisfaction. AAA members are eligible for special benefits such as priority service, a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty, discounts, free inspections, dispute resolution assistance and more. To locate an AAR shop in your area, visit AAA.com/AutoRepair.
About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.4 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 58 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.