An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

Safety Office provides useful tips for winter driving

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Driving in inclement weather can be treacherous if the right precautions are not taken.

The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Safety Office is set to host a Safety Down Day Jan. 27 to raise awareness and focus attention on safe and effective mission accomplishment during 2012.

"Having a good safety attitude isn't just about following procedure, it's staying alert to possible hazards and taking the extra time to use good personal risk management," said Stephen Rudowski, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Safety Office deputy chief from Lanoka Harbor, N.J. It also means that you're willing to listen to suggestions that might protect you."

Drivers should always have snow completely cleaned off their vehicles and conduct an inspection of their vehicle before making their way down the road.

"It is vital for drivers to inspect their vehicle before driving it," said William Goldsberry, JB MDL Safety Office ground safety specialist from Ripley, Ohio. "Clearing the snow off the entire car is important because the snow may blow off and cause a hazard for other drivers."

Drivers should remove ice and snow from windows, lights and wipers to ensure maximum visibility and to enable other commuters to see them.

"See and be seen," said Master Sgt. Scott Keister, JB MDL Safety Office ground safety non commissioned officer in charge from Lawrenceville, Penn. "Always use your headlights when it is raining or snowing. It's not only a good rule to follow, but the law."

The safety office recommends driving slower in inclement weather, so drivers should allow more time for travel. Allowing more time for driving will alleviate stress and checking the clock constantly.

"It is better to be late than to not show up at all," said Keister.

Keister also recommends increasing following and stopping distance. If a driver is two seconds behind another, he or she should increase the distance to six seconds.

Drivers should never pass a snowplow or salt spreading truck unless it is absolutely necessary.

"Drivers need to be focused on the road at all times, but especially during inclement weather," said Keister. "Drivers should set their GPS and music before traveling. At no time should drivers text."

Drivers should follow these safety tips if they find themselves stuck or stranded in snow:
 Avoid spinning the vehicle's wheels, this will cause the tires to sink deeper.
 Shovel snow away from the tires.
 Scatter sand or cat litter around the tires to help improve traction.
 Traction pads or pieces of old carpet can also improve traction if they are placed behind the vehicle's wheels
 A driver should never leave his or her vehicle if it is stuck. The driver should call for help and just wait.
"Keeping the gas tank full is important in case of an emergency," said Goldsberry.

Their car's engine will be the only source of heat if a driver becomes stranded.
Passengers should crack their window while running the engine so they do not experience carbon monoxide asphyxiation.

Drivers should avoid large puddles of water during rainy conditions. The water may flood the vehicle and cause the brakes to be less effective. Drivers should also avoid slamming on their brakes if they begin to hydroplane. Slamming on the brakes will only make the car spin out of control more. Drivers should ease off the gas and turn the steering wheel the way they want the front of the vehicle to go.

"The potential for vehicle mishaps increases during inclement weather and drivers should drive slower and with more caution," said Goldsberry. "The most important thing a driver can do during a wreck is stay calm."

Drivers should be extra cautious when driving to work in the morning in case of wet roads particularly if there had been rain or snowfall through the night. The temperature may drop below the freezing point during the night and cause the rain or snow to turn into ice.

All drivers should carry these items on hand no matter the emergency:
 flashlight and batteries,
 jumper cables,
 abrasive materials such as: sand, cat litter, traction mats or floor mats and even old carpets,
 shovel,
 warming devices,
 blankets,
 snow brush and ice scraper,
 first aid kit,
 candle.
Be sure to keep these items in the trunk as they may become projectiles if a mishap occurs.

"Remember that accidents occur in the blink of an eye," said Rudowski. "All it takes is one second of inattention, one moment of carelessness that can have a major impact on the rest of your life or perhaps even your fellow Wingman."

Check Air, Land and Sea Times and the JB MDL website for more information on Safety Down Day.