Winter driving safety tips from NHP Trooper Chuck Allen

Talking by email the other day, I asked friend Trooper Chuck Allen of the Nevada Department of Public Safety, if he had any tips for winter driving. You may ask why winter driving tips in October - we’ve already had a couple of good snowstorms here last week.

 As part of the ‘safety culture’ that we should all adopt in our homes, workplaces and communities, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on something we do almost everyday and take for granted - until the unexpected happens.

And don’t assume anything. You never know what another person doesn’t know. Talk to your family, friends and co-workers now, before winter gets into full swing about the following information. You just might be able to prevent a lot of grief, lost time and expense.

In these hard economic times, safety not only saves lives, it saves money - in repair bills, higher insurance premiums, medical deductibles and lost time at work.

So save money and think safety!

And thanks, Trooper Allen!

 Photo by Teresa Schroeder

With the cooler temperatures upon us and winter-like driving conditions not too far away, I thought I would get a jump-start on providing a few traffic safety tips:

·     Studded snow tires are permissible and provide extra traction especially on icy roadways (authorized for use Oct 1st – April 30^th)

·     Be certain that tires have adequate tread, are mud & snow rated (M&S), and have the proper tire pressure (cooler temperatures can cause tire pressures to decrease a few pounds)

·     Be sure your windshield wipers are in good condition

·     Check all fluids to include the radiator, engine oil, power steering, brake, and windshield washer levels

·     Check the condition of your vehicle’s battery – an older battery may leave you stranded

·     Carry a snow brush / ice scraper in your vehicle

·     Keep in mind that the entire front and rear windows along with driver and right front door windows all need to be clear of ice and snow before driving

·     Always keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in your vehicle - you never know when you may be stalled in traffic due to an accident scene or potential temporary road closures

·     Items that are handy to keep in your vehicle, especially on longer commutes just in case you experience a mechanical breakdown or are stuck somewhere in traffic should include:

* Drinking water

* Food/snacks

* Blanket

* Shovel

* First aid kit

* Warm hat and gloves

* Flashlight

* 12 volt cell phone charger

* A bag of sand is always handy - In the event you lose traction at an intersection or just leaving your driveway; put a cupful just in front of the drive axle tires

* Coveralls – Motorists who drive their 2 wheeled drive vehicles over the mountain passes where tire chains are required will often pay a chain attendant to install them. So when its time to remove the chains, and to save some money, putting on a set of coveralls will make the job easier so you stay warm and not soil the clothes you are wearing

Also, if you are driving on a slippery road and are involved in a single vehicle property damage accident, try and move your vehicle out of the travel lanes to avoid being struck by other approaching motorists. It’s much safer to move your vehicle onto the shoulder area prior to assessing what damage may have been caused

If you are involved in an accident with one or more vehicles, be sure to check on injuries first before moving any vehicles.

To report a traffic hazard, stranded motorist or an accident, motorists can dial *NHP (Star NHP) from their cellular phone and they will automatically be connected to a DPS dispatcher.

Lastly, speed too fast for conditions is probably one of the leading contributing factors in why motorists are involved in collisions/spin outs on our area roadways during inclement weather. Keep in mind that posted speed limits are for normal driving conditions and that motorists should adjust their vehicle’s speed to the current roadway conditions. Although four-wheeled drive vehicles provide better traction and can accelerate faster than a two-wheeled drive vehicle, they cannot stop any sooner. Roadways that appear to be just wet when outside temperatures are close to the freezing mark may me in fact icy especially on bridges and below overpasses.