Released: January 22, 2003

Tips To Reduce Driving Risks

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A winter snow can be breathtaking, but hazardous, too. In recent years – 2001, for example – the Kansas Dept. of Transportation attributed as many as 2,400 accidents to snow, blowing snow, and ice, said Mike Bradshaw, Kansas State University Research and Extension safety specialist.

The accidents can be deadly, he said.

In the past week, news articles linked two motorists’ deaths to Kansas’ most recent storm. During the recent holidays, a pedestrian was killed when a driver failed to take the time to clear his windshield.

"Five minutes could have saved a life," said Sgt. J. L. Riedel, Kansas Highway Patrol officer based in Salina.

"We can’t control weather, the roads or other drivers. For that reason, it’s imperative that we take control of ourselves and our vehicles," said Riedel, who advises drivers "to slow down and allow more following distance."

Slowing down and allowing extra time when traveling seem almost too practical to mention, but drivers sometimes need to think about that before getting behind the wheel.

"Before driving, use a snow brush, ice scraper – or both – to clean the windshield, side and rear windows; exterior mirrors; headlights, and taillights," Bradshaw said.

"Drivers can easily overlook snow on the hood and fenders that also should be removed so that it will not blow up onto the windshield and reduce their visibility. Removing snow from the roof of the car, trunk lid and/or rear deck will prevent blowing snow from obscuring other drivers’ visibility."

Drivers who make sure they have optimum visibility are more likely to reach their destination safely, he said.

In addition to slowing down, there’s good reason to allow a greater distance – more car lengths – between vehicles. On slippery roads, it requires greater distance – and thus, a longer time – to bring a vehicle to stop.

"Slamming on the brakes can cause the wheels to lock and vehicle to skid. If a skid occurs, let up on the accelerator. Apply pressure slowly to the brakes to allow the tires to grip the snow," Bradshaw said.

Remember also that melting snow or condensation can make roads and bridges that may have been cleared dangerous.

"Intersections can be particularly hazardous – having the right of way isn’t likely to matter if a driver entering an intersection from another direction isn’t able to stop," said Bradshaw. "As tires spin, snow melts and can turn to ice. Snow that has been cleared and piled nearby also can melt, run back on the roadways, and re-freeze. Again, allow more time to stop."

Bradshaw offered these additional safety tips:

* Make sure your tires are in good condition and inflated to the recommended air pressure. In cold weather, tires can lose as much as six pounds of air pressure.

* Keep the gas tank full to add weight and reduce potential condensation in the tank. Drivers of lighter-weight vehicles, such as a light truck, and others without front wheel drive are encouraged to add weight that won’t shift, such as sandbags.

* New vehicle? Drivers who have changed vehicles since last winter – and others who would like to feel more familiar with how their car or truck will handle in adverse weather – may want to practice starts, stops, turns and a skid in an empty parking lot. Doing so may help avoid an accident, he said.

* Keep sunglasses handy to protect eyes from reflection from the snow.

* Stow a winter car kit in your vehicle. And, if you have a cell phone, take it with you.

"Share your travel plans, including your route and expected time of arrival. This can be particularly important when driving longer distances or in rural areas. If you fail to arrive, the fact that someone else knows your travel details can speed needed help," Bradshaw said.

For more information on personal safety, interested persons may contact their local K-State Research and Extension office.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News