Winter and the holiday season are fast approaching, so this month we are providing tips so you can make the most of the coming months and stay safe.
Holiday Parties
Holiday parties mean that there will be an increase in the number of people driving while intoxicated (DWI), so use extra caution during the Holiday Season.
- People often drink at holiday parties, and many wisely take taxis or black cars, as suggested by public service announcements. Be prepared to be more patient than usual as passengers may be intoxicated – but remember, by hiring your vehicle, they are making the roads safer for everyone.
- Passengers are sometimes depressed during the holidays for personal reasons. Spreading joy to them will make you feel good and help them through a tough time.
- Traffic agents will be proactive in issuing “Don’t Block the Box” summons, so be careful and avoid blocking intersections.
- Passengers may have extra packages and/or luggage. Be ready to assist them, so you can quickly start your trip after loading.
Winter Driving Tips
Thousands of motorists get stranded on our nation’s streets and highways during the winter months. Some die, many others suffer injuries or frostbite. Still others put up with the inconvenience of waiting until someone is towed or pushed out of trouble. These situations can be avoided this winter by following these suggestions:
- Stay off the road when traveler’s warnings are issued. When police and weather officials issue winter storm alerts, they mean business and they’re talking to you. Many motorists wind up stranded on highways because they leave home or work after being warned that roads are impassible.
- If you’re away from home and road conditions suddenly become impassible, stay where you are. As much as you might want to get home, you won’t accomplish a thing by getting stuck in a snowdrift halfway there. Don’t bet your life (or anyone else’s) on a four-wheel drive vehicle. In a full-scale blizzard, you’re not much better off than someone in a conventional car.
- “Winterize” your vehicle BEFORE a snow storm hits. Many motorists find themselves stuck or stranded each winter because of car trouble that could have been avoided by simple preventive maintenance. The following items should be checked before the first snow hits and service stations are jammed: the battery (charge/condition), radiator coolant, hoses, thermostat, defroster/ heater, wiper blades, washer fluid, oil (use winter grade), spark plugs, engine timing, tire treads, headlights/taillights/turn signals and brakes.
Driving During and After a Snowstorm
- Leave early and expect any trip to take twice as long as normal.
- Plan your route to avoid steep grades and lightly-traveled roads.
- Slow down. Slick pavement means reduced traction and loss of control on snow or ice. Under these conditions the posted speed limit is a safe speed.
- Increase following distance. It can take from three to ten times farther to stop on a winter-slick pavement than a dry road. The “two-second rule” must be increased accordingly to avoid “rear-ender” accidents.
- Stop gradually by “pumping” or “squeezing” your brakes and use your transmission to slow the car.
- Do not rush to pick up a prearranged passenger. Give ETAs that you can realistically keep. Remember: Your safety and the safety of your passengers are of the utmost importance.
- In the days after a snowstorm use caution when you are outside your vehicle assisting passengers. Not only should you use caution on slippery sidewalks, but be on the alert for ice melting and falling from high rise buildings.
- Remember: Children and teenagers often throw snowballs at taxis and vehicles for hire as a prank. Do not stop and respond to the offenders as the situation could escalate into a more serious incident.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
The following items should be stored in your vehicle before winter weather hits:
- Several warm blankets
- A small shovel
- Sand and/or kitty litter
- Safety flares
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- A red flag or cloth
- Warm socks, an extra pair of gloves or mittens, a warm hat and extra sweaters or shirts
- A spare ice scraper
- A charged cell phone battery
- Several chocolate or high energy food bars
