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Safety first: vehicle preparations for winter

  • Published
  • By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Safety Office
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  
With winter and the holidays just around the corner, the following safety tips are provided to ensure the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community stays safe on the road this season.

Prepare for winter:
The following items should always be on hand no matter what the winter emergency is:
- Flashlight and batteries
- Jumper cables
- Abrasive material (sand, cat litter, traction mats, old carpets or floor mats)
- Shovel
- Warning devices
- Blankets (or floor mats and newspaper)
- Snow brush or ice scraper
- First aid kit
Be sure to keep these items in the trunk as they may become flying objects if an accident occurs.

When stuck in the snow:
- Avoid spinning the wheels. This causes the vehicle to sink deeper.
- Shovel snow away from wheel paths.
- Scatter sand or cat litter around the drive wheels to improve traction.
- Traction pads or pieces of old carpeting can also help with traction if no sand or cat litter is available.
- Stay with the vehicle and call for help when stranded.

Keep the gas tank full. The engine will be the only source of heat if stuck or stranded in the winter. Be sure to crack the windows and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of obstruction if the engine is running to avoid carbon monoxide asphyxiation.

Winter driving practices:
- Clean the vehicle before driving. Remove ice and snow from windows, lights and wipers. Clear all snow off of the roof, because it can blow and create a hazard for trailing vehicles on the road.
- Use headlights and defroster.
- Allow more time to travel. Driving safely means driving slower, so allow more time to get to the destination.
- Increase the normal following distance. If four seconds is needed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop on dry pavement, allow at least 12 seconds in bad weather. Apply this rule to stop signs and other traffic signs and signals.
- Don't break or jerk the steering wheel if skidding on icy pavement. This will cause the wheels to lock. Take the foot off the gas and gently turn the wheel in the direction the front of the vehicle should go. Veer off in the other direction by simply adjusting the wheel again if counter-skidding occurs.
- Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary.

Driving in rain:
- Use wipers, defroster and headlights to improve visibility.
- Do not drive in large puddles. It may flood the vehicle and make the brakes less effective.
- Avoid hydroplaning. Remove pressure from the gas and avoid slamming on the brakes if hydroplaning begins.

Driving in Snow:
- Wear sunglasses to reduce glare.
- Allow shorter daylight hours and adjust trips, if possible.
- Clear snow off windshields, windows, hoods, roofs and lights.
- Use wipers, headlights and defroster.
- Steer steady and slow when on ice or snow.
- Maintain at least a three- to four-second following distance from the vehicle in front.

Call the Joint Base Safety Office at 754-7233 for questions or additional information.