Driving safely in winter weather Published Nov. 18, 2010 By Mel Flynn 11th Air Force Safety JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Many accidents could be avoided if drivers took time to learn and practice these tips for driving safely during snowy and icy conditions. Driving in Alaska during the long dark winter months can be quite a challenge; especially for the unprepared. There are many hazards that cannot be avoided. Learning what to do in these situations will help to lessen drivers' chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Perhaps the deadliest danger of all is black ice. Black ice is ice which commonly forms on roadways, bridges and overpasses; usually due to snow melting and re-freezing. Since it is almost invisible, drivers fail to recognize black ice conditions and may drive at normal speeds-often resulting in very serious accidents. Always be alert to the possibility of black ice when temperatures are near or below freezing. Pavement that looks dry but appears darker in color and dull-looking should alert you to the presence of black ice. Be especially cautious when driving into shaded areas. Drivers' failing to allow an adequate amount of time to stop is a major cause of winter driving accidents. During slippery conditions stopping distances can triple. Driving at slower speeds; anticipating stops at traffic lights and intersections, and applying brakes sooner than normal will help ensure accident-free stops. When braking, brake carefully with short, rapid application of the brakes or as recommend by the vehicle operator's manual. Always allow plenty of extra space between you and other vehicles to minimize the need for quick stops. If wheels lock up, the driver loses control, so it is best to keep rolling. Operators shouldn't be overconfident because a vehicle has traction control, four-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or any other device. Four-wheel-drive does not provide any advantage in braking; it takes just as long as any other vehicle to stop. Acceleration, turning, and passing also present dangers during winter driving. Accelerate slowly to avoid loss of tracton and subsequent loss of control. Drivers should turn slowly, with caution, to avoid sliding into a stationary object or the path of an oncoming vehicle; avoid abrupt movements; pass with care because passing lanes are not maintained as well as driving lanes. Drivers should also think ahead and leave room for stopping or maneuvering before the vehicle begins to respond to conditions. It takes at least 8 to 10 seconds of following distance in winter conditions, and even more if the road is icy. Here are some additional tips to remember for driving safely in winter. Before driving, clear the snow and ice from the windows, hood, lights, and roof. Keep vehicles clean to be more visible to others. Vehicle maintenance is always important, but even more so in weather extremes. Be sure all these systems are in good working order - ignition system, fuel system, belts, hoses, fluids, brakes, exhaust system, wiper blades and operation, heater and defroster, cooling system, battery, and lights. Make sure to have winter-grade oil in the crankcase. Keep the fuel tank full - don't let it get below half before filling up. Add gasoline antifreeze if necessary. Tires and Traction: Tires should have at least 1/8 inch of tread depth and proper inflation. Cold temperatures have a lowering effect on tire pressures - check frequently to maintain adequate inflation. Invest in good winter tires. Traction devices often greatly increase your stopping distance, so control your vehicle carefully. Allow for sufficient travel time. Don't get in a hurry. Reduce speed according to the conditions. Reduce speed by 30 percent in rain, 50 percent in snow. If the road is icy, reduce more than that. While it is important not to drive too fast, it's also important to keep moving and not go too slow - it takes momentum to keep a vehicle chugging ahead through snow, especially on grades. Keep a light touch on the controls. When driving in snow and ice, smoothness is the key. Sudden moves will almost certainly result in loss of traction on slippery roads, and at that point the driver becomes just a passenger - they go wherever the car goes. More than any other factor, even experience and skill, smoothness will keep the vehicle going the right direction. Don't use electronic speed control if the car might encounter slippery stretches of roadway. If a driver loses traction and the vehicle begins to skid, they should gradually let up from the accelerator but not touch the brakes. Steer the vehicle gently toward the direction the driver wants it to go. When the tires begin rolling again, slow gently and stop if needed. Other considerations: Beware of Carbon Monoxide - Do not start a car in an enclosed area and let it idle with the cabin closed up. Remember that driving in poor conditions is fatiguing - Driving in winter weather conditions causes physical and mental fatigue and reduces reaction times. Plan adequate rest stops. Don't drive while sleepy or on medication that causes drowsiness. Stuck - Generally, the best thing is stay in the vehicle and keep warm while waiting for help. Again, be careful about carbon monoxide, check the exhaust pipe and clear away snow, ice, or anything that might be blocking it. Don't take shortcuts in winter - keep to the main roads. Most back roads in Alaska are not maintained during winter months, and if a car gets stuck, it may be out there a long time. Turn on headlights - Turn on headlights during adverse weather conditions, overcast skies and falling snow limit visibility; it is important to see and be seen. Adhere to posted signs - Bridges and overpasses freeze before the roadway; use extra caution on these. Road side emergency - Stock an emergency kit containing heavy clothes and a blanket, traction material such as sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a small shovel, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, emergency rations, and a bright cloth to use as a flag. Wildlife - Watch for Moose and other wildlife. Moose-vehicle collisions are common throughout the year in Alaska. Many moose-vehicle collisions occur during the months of December and January. Always be alert for the possibility of wildlife in the roadway. Preventing an accident is much easier to deal with than handling the results of an accident. Winter conditions call for different driving tactics, remember; ice and snow, take it nice and slow - slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking; schedule extra time to reach destinations safely.