Northeast News
Jan. 26, 2011

While area students are frolicking in the snow, savoring their snow days, working adults are driving in subpar conditions.

Slick streets aren’t ideal and not every driver knows the precautions to take.

Master Patrol Officer James Schriever of Central Patrol offered several tips for drivers.

When driving on icy roads, decrease your speed and leave adequate room to stop.

“You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you,” Schriever said.

To avoid sliding, brake gently, and if the wheels begin to lock, slowly let off the brake. For additional traction, use low gears, especially on hills, he said.

Avoid using cruise control and overdrive on icy streets.

“Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first,” he said. “Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges…

“Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.”

Schriever also offered tips for when a vehicle’s wheels skid or the vehicle becomes stuck.

If your rear wheels skid:

• Take your foot off the accelerator.

• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go.

• If your rear wheels slide the opposite direction as you’re regaining control, gently steer the wheel in that direction.

“You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control,” he said.

• For standard brakes, pump them gently; For anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure. The brakes will “pulse,” which is common.

If your front wheels skid:

• Remove your foot from the accelerator and shift into neutral.

• Don’t turn the steering wheel at first.

• The vehicle will slow and regain traction as the wheels skid sideways. Now is the time to turn the wheel in the desired direction.

• Switch from neutral to “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate slowly.

If your car or truck is stuck:

• Don’t spin the wheels, which worsens the situation.

• Turn wheels from side-to-side several times to force snow away.

• Gently push on the gas pedal.

• If necessary, use a shovel to remove snow from the wheels and from underneath the car or truck.

• To gain more traction, distribute salt, sand, gravel or kitty litter in the wheel’s path.

• Before rocking your vehicle, check your owner’s manual. Rocking can damage the transmission on certain vehicles, Schriever explained. Shift from forward to reverse and repeat. With each gear change, lightly push the gas until the vehicle becomes free.