Winter Driving Tips

Even in Texas, snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions. Here are a few tips to help make your winter driving safer:

Winterize your car before cold weather starts
Check your oil and replace your antifreeze. Be sure the heater, brakes, lights and windshield wipers and washers are in good working order. Check your tires for excessive wear or other damage, and be sure they are properly inflated.

Know what you’re getting into
Before you leave on a trip, check the weather conditions on radio or television or call the Texas Department of Transportation's toll-free highway conditions line at (800) 452-9292. Once you’ve begun your trip, stay tuned to local radio stations for the latest on weather and road conditions.

Understand the dangers of snow and ice
Elevated roadways freeze over first, so be extra careful on bridges and overpasses. A little snow or ice can be just as dangerous as a lot of it. Snow and ice can melt as the temperature rises during the day, only to refreeze as glazed ice when temperatures dip below freezing again. Snow melts more slowly in shady areas.

Be prepared for the worst
Never drive with your fuel gauge near empty. The last thing you want is to have to walk in winter weather looking for a service station. If you do become stranded, stay in your car and wait for help. If you become cold, use your car heater sparingly with plenty of ventilation. Stay awake. Move your arms and legs frequently to maintain circulation and body warmth.

Pack your car with these items in case problems arise:

• Extra layers of warm clothing, gloves, head covering
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Nonperishable food, water
• A flashlight and a set of new batteries
• Cellular telephone or CB radio
• Matches and candles
• First aid kit, including medication you must take
• An ice scraper, jumper cables and tire chains
• Coins, for using a pay telephone
• Warning devices, such as flares or battery-powered flashers

Maintain a safe driving distance
You should increase the distance from the vehicle ahead of you according to the conditions of the pavement. Many needless rear-end collisions occur on icy streets because drivers forget to leave stopping space. To keep safe you must keep your distance.

Reduce speed to match conditions
There is no such thing as a "safe" speed range at which you may drive on snow or ice. You must be extremely cautious until you are able to determine how much traction you can expect from your tires. Avoid locking your brakes on glazed ice as that will cause a loss of steering and control. Every city block and mile of highway may be different, depending on sun and shade and the surface of the roadway.

Keep your windows clear
Remove snow and ice before you drive, even if you are just going for a short drive. Make certain the windshield wipers and defroster are working properly.

Get the feel of the road
Start out very slowly. It does no good to spin the wheels. Test your brakes gently after the car is in motion to determine how much traction you will have. Start slowing down before you come to a turn.

Use your common sense
Some safety tips should be obvious. Allow more time for your travel. Never drive when you are tired or sleepy. Always use your seat belt and insist that all passengers buckle up also. Never warm up your car in an enclosed space such as a garage. Keep your headlights on in overcast weather, even during the day. Remember that your lights help other drivers to see your car.

Kraft & Associates

2777 Stemmons Freeway
Suite 1300
Dallas, Texas 75207

Dallas: (214) 999-9999
Fort Worth: (817) 999-9999
Toll Free: (800) 989-9999
FAX: (214) 637-2118
E-mail: info@kraftlaw.com

Please direct general business inquiries to:
Ms. Nita Maki, Office Administrator
nmaki@kraftlaw.com